AMC Networks has appointed industry vet Len Fogge as its head of marketing and also expanded the purview of streaming chief Miguel Penella, who will now also oversee the company’s international portfolio.
Both execs will report to AMC Networks Interim CEO Matt Blank.
As president of marketing, Fogge will lead global marketing and brand strategy including performance marketing, creative, and social for AMC Networks’ domestic and international portfolio of entertainment brands. In addition to well-established linear channels like AMC, BBC America and IFC, the roster also includes streaming outlets like AMC+, Acorn TV and Shudder.
Penella, who has guided the company’s niche streaming strategy, will now also lead AMC Networks International, which reaches more than 125 countries.
In its most recent quarterly report, the company said it had 9.5 million streaming subscribers as of March 31, and remains on track to hit its goal of 20 million to 25 million by 2025.
“As we...
Both execs will report to AMC Networks Interim CEO Matt Blank.
As president of marketing, Fogge will lead global marketing and brand strategy including performance marketing, creative, and social for AMC Networks’ domestic and international portfolio of entertainment brands. In addition to well-established linear channels like AMC, BBC America and IFC, the roster also includes streaming outlets like AMC+, Acorn TV and Shudder.
Penella, who has guided the company’s niche streaming strategy, will now also lead AMC Networks International, which reaches more than 125 countries.
In its most recent quarterly report, the company said it had 9.5 million streaming subscribers as of March 31, and remains on track to hit its goal of 20 million to 25 million by 2025.
“As we...
- 5/17/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Three AMC Networks executives are broadening their oversight within the company as the company focuses more of its efforts on streaming.
Courtney Thomasma, most recently the executive director of BBC America, is stepping into the role of general manager of streaming service AMC Plus, reporting to AMC Networks president of SVOD Miguel Penella. In taking on AMC Plus, Thomasma will oversee the platform’s content and audience strategy, brand positioning and business development.
Acorn TV general manager Matt Graham is adding oversight of streaming service Sundance Now to his plate, acting as its general manager, and will now oversee all day-to-day operations and execution of both streamers. He will also continue to report to Penella.
And longtime exec Blake Callaway, executive director of the IFC and SundanceTV television networks, is incorporating oversight of BBC America to his duties as general manager of all three networks. He will work closely with...
Courtney Thomasma, most recently the executive director of BBC America, is stepping into the role of general manager of streaming service AMC Plus, reporting to AMC Networks president of SVOD Miguel Penella. In taking on AMC Plus, Thomasma will oversee the platform’s content and audience strategy, brand positioning and business development.
Acorn TV general manager Matt Graham is adding oversight of streaming service Sundance Now to his plate, acting as its general manager, and will now oversee all day-to-day operations and execution of both streamers. He will also continue to report to Penella.
And longtime exec Blake Callaway, executive director of the IFC and SundanceTV television networks, is incorporating oversight of BBC America to his duties as general manager of all three networks. He will work closely with...
- 4/8/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
AMC Networks is shuffling its pack.
The company has named BBC America exec director Courtney Thomasma as general manager of its streaming service AMC+, with Blake Callaway now taking over responsibilities for the Killing Eve broadcaster and Acorn TV boss Matt Graham being given oversight of Sundance Now.
The move gives the company its first real boss of AMC+ with Thomasma working under Miguel Penella, AMC Networks’ President of SVOD. There are no departures as a result of the moves.
Callaway, who is executive director of the IFC and SundanceTV television networks, becomes general manager of BBC America. He will continue to report to AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll. Graham, general manager of Acorn TV will also become general manager of Sundance Now and will continue to report to Penella.
“Courtney, Matt and Blake are accomplished leaders who have all made meaningful contributions to the success of our company, particularly...
The company has named BBC America exec director Courtney Thomasma as general manager of its streaming service AMC+, with Blake Callaway now taking over responsibilities for the Killing Eve broadcaster and Acorn TV boss Matt Graham being given oversight of Sundance Now.
The move gives the company its first real boss of AMC+ with Thomasma working under Miguel Penella, AMC Networks’ President of SVOD. There are no departures as a result of the moves.
Callaway, who is executive director of the IFC and SundanceTV television networks, becomes general manager of BBC America. He will continue to report to AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll. Graham, general manager of Acorn TV will also become general manager of Sundance Now and will continue to report to Penella.
“Courtney, Matt and Blake are accomplished leaders who have all made meaningful contributions to the success of our company, particularly...
- 4/8/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
With A Discovery of Witches Season 2 just a few days away, AMC Networks is giving fans a lot of ways to catch up ahead of broadcast.
The series drove record usage and subscriptions for its Sundance Now and Shudder streaming services.
A Discovery of Witches Season 1 will be available on Sundance Now, Shudder, and AMC+ as free content now through January 18.
If you're not a fan of streaming, then AMC is offering the season as a full-season marathon on January 24, including special additional behind the scenes content with the cast and crew and interviews with author Deborah Harkness.
A Discovery of Witches Season 2 will premiere on Sundance Now, Shudder and AMC+ on January 9, one day after the series' UK Premiere.
The second season consists of 10 new episodes, with a new episode arriving on all three platforms every Saturday.
The series is the #1 title in the history of Sundance Now and...
The series drove record usage and subscriptions for its Sundance Now and Shudder streaming services.
A Discovery of Witches Season 1 will be available on Sundance Now, Shudder, and AMC+ as free content now through January 18.
If you're not a fan of streaming, then AMC is offering the season as a full-season marathon on January 24, including special additional behind the scenes content with the cast and crew and interviews with author Deborah Harkness.
A Discovery of Witches Season 2 will premiere on Sundance Now, Shudder and AMC+ on January 9, one day after the series' UK Premiere.
The second season consists of 10 new episodes, with a new episode arriving on all three platforms every Saturday.
The series is the #1 title in the history of Sundance Now and...
- 1/5/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Umc, the AMC Networks-owned streaming service focused exclusively on Black television and film that was created by BET founder Robert L. Johnson, will be rebranded Allblk in January 2021 with a new look and feel.
Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment launched Umc (Urban Movie Channel) in November 2014. The service became part of AMC Networks two years ago with the cable programmer’s acquisition of Rlj Entertainment.
Heading into 2021, Allblk is ramping up production on a slate of original series, including previously announced multi-cam comedy “Millennials”; Mc Lyte sitcom “Partners in Rhyme”; legal drama “Lace”; haircare makeover series “My Mane Problem”; and the Datari Turner/eOne reality series “Notorious Queens.” In addition, the Allblk content lineup will feature the continuation of original series “Double Cross,” “A House Divided” and Craig Ross Jr.’s “Monogamy”; We tv co-production “Beyond the Pole”; and recent releases “A Closer Look,” “For the Love of Jason” and “Terror Lake Drive.
Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment launched Umc (Urban Movie Channel) in November 2014. The service became part of AMC Networks two years ago with the cable programmer’s acquisition of Rlj Entertainment.
Heading into 2021, Allblk is ramping up production on a slate of original series, including previously announced multi-cam comedy “Millennials”; Mc Lyte sitcom “Partners in Rhyme”; legal drama “Lace”; haircare makeover series “My Mane Problem”; and the Datari Turner/eOne reality series “Notorious Queens.” In addition, the Allblk content lineup will feature the continuation of original series “Double Cross,” “A House Divided” and Craig Ross Jr.’s “Monogamy”; We tv co-production “Beyond the Pole”; and recent releases “A Closer Look,” “For the Love of Jason” and “Terror Lake Drive.
- 12/8/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Umc, the AMC Networks-owned streaming service focused on Black TV and film, will rebrand as Allblk in January.
The new name and look comes on the heels of a corporate realignment of the service. Last week, AMC Networks shifted it under the aegis of Gm Brett Dismuke along with linear network We tv.
Robert L. Johnson, the businessman known for founding BET, created Umc (short for Urban Movie Channel) in 2014. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment, which also had streaming assets like Acorn TV, was acquired by AMC Networks in 2018.
“Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African-American audience without the restrictions of legacy content development and traditional broadcast models,” Johnson said in a statement. “As technology advances and programming demands from our community evolve, the rebranded Allblk will be well positioned to breakout as the preeminent streaming destination for viewers seeking Black entertainment.
The new name and look comes on the heels of a corporate realignment of the service. Last week, AMC Networks shifted it under the aegis of Gm Brett Dismuke along with linear network We tv.
Robert L. Johnson, the businessman known for founding BET, created Umc (short for Urban Movie Channel) in 2014. Johnson’s Rlj Entertainment, which also had streaming assets like Acorn TV, was acquired by AMC Networks in 2018.
“Umc began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African-American audience without the restrictions of legacy content development and traditional broadcast models,” Johnson said in a statement. “As technology advances and programming demands from our community evolve, the rebranded Allblk will be well positioned to breakout as the preeminent streaming destination for viewers seeking Black entertainment.
- 12/8/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks has realigned its Umc streaming service and We tv network under a shared leadership team headed by Brett Dismuke.
The executive, who became head of content for Umc in 2019, will now be general manager of the service as well as We tv, reporting to Miguel Penella, president of SVOD for AMC Networks. Penella, in turn, reports to company COO Ed Carroll.
Sylvia George, the former Gm of Umc, is moving to a new role within the marketing organization of AMC Networks, heading performance marketing for the company’s portfolio of niche streaming services. George had led Umc as Gm since 2018, after previously serving as chief marketing officer. She joined Acorn Media as a marketing manager in 1999 and served in a variety of marketing and sales roles.
AMC Networks acquired Rlj Entertainment, parent of Umc and Acorn in 2018. As it looks to restructure its operations to emphasize streaming, AMC...
The executive, who became head of content for Umc in 2019, will now be general manager of the service as well as We tv, reporting to Miguel Penella, president of SVOD for AMC Networks. Penella, in turn, reports to company COO Ed Carroll.
Sylvia George, the former Gm of Umc, is moving to a new role within the marketing organization of AMC Networks, heading performance marketing for the company’s portfolio of niche streaming services. George had led Umc as Gm since 2018, after previously serving as chief marketing officer. She joined Acorn Media as a marketing manager in 1999 and served in a variety of marketing and sales roles.
AMC Networks acquired Rlj Entertainment, parent of Umc and Acorn in 2018. As it looks to restructure its operations to emphasize streaming, AMC...
- 12/4/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks has promoted Umc’s Brett Dismuke to general manager, Umc and We tv, the company announced Thursday.
The move gives Dismuke oversight of the cable channel as well as the streaming service for which he previously served as chief content officer. He takes over for former We tv president Mark Juris, who announced plans to step down back in October. Sylvia George, the former general manager of Umc, will move to a new role at the company, leading performance marketing across all of the company’s targeted streaming services.
The move marks an effort by AMC to further align Umc and We tv, both of which target Black audiences. The two previously platforms crossed over with Umc airing exclusive content tied to the We tv series “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition,” as well as with Umc serving as the streaming home for several of We tv’s original series.
The move gives Dismuke oversight of the cable channel as well as the streaming service for which he previously served as chief content officer. He takes over for former We tv president Mark Juris, who announced plans to step down back in October. Sylvia George, the former general manager of Umc, will move to a new role at the company, leading performance marketing across all of the company’s targeted streaming services.
The move marks an effort by AMC to further align Umc and We tv, both of which target Black audiences. The two previously platforms crossed over with Umc airing exclusive content tied to the We tv series “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition,” as well as with Umc serving as the streaming home for several of We tv’s original series.
- 12/3/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Executive and former agent joined company in 2006.
Arianna Bocco has been named president of IFC Films.
Bocco, a popular and widely respected presence on the festival and market circuit, joined the company in 2006 and has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films as well as genre label IFC Midnight.
In her new role she will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and the burgeoning IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service.
She will now report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks president of SVoD, who oversees the company...
Arianna Bocco has been named president of IFC Films.
Bocco, a popular and widely respected presence on the festival and market circuit, joined the company in 2006 and has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films as well as genre label IFC Midnight.
In her new role she will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and the burgeoning IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service.
She will now report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks president of SVoD, who oversees the company...
- 12/2/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Executive and former agent joined company in 2006.
Arianna Bocco has been named president of IFC Films.
Bocco has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films as well as genre label IFC Midnight.
In this new role she will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and the burgeoning IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service.
She will now report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks president of SVoD, who oversees the company’s new premium subscription bundled offering AMC+, which includes IFC Films Unlimited, as well as its portfolio of SVoD services Acorn TV,...
Arianna Bocco has been named president of IFC Films.
Bocco has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films as well as genre label IFC Midnight.
In this new role she will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and the burgeoning IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service.
She will now report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks president of SVoD, who oversees the company’s new premium subscription bundled offering AMC+, which includes IFC Films Unlimited, as well as its portfolio of SVoD services Acorn TV,...
- 12/2/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
AMC Networks on Wednesday said that longtime film executive Arianna Bocco has been named president of its IFC Films division. Bocco was previously EVP of Acquisitions and Production. She replaces departing IFC Films Co-President Lisa Schwartz. Schwartz had served as Co-President with Jonathan Sehring who retired at the end of 2018.
Bocco has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films as well as genre label IFC Midnight.
In her new role, Bocco will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and the fast-growing IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service. Bocco will report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks’ president of SVOD, who oversees the company’s new premium subscription bundled offering AMC+, which includes IFC Films Unlimited; its portfolio of subscription video on demand services Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and Umc; as well as Rlje Films. Penella reports to Ed Carroll,...
Bocco has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films as well as genre label IFC Midnight.
In her new role, Bocco will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and the fast-growing IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service. Bocco will report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks’ president of SVOD, who oversees the company’s new premium subscription bundled offering AMC+, which includes IFC Films Unlimited; its portfolio of subscription video on demand services Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and Umc; as well as Rlje Films. Penella reports to Ed Carroll,...
- 12/2/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Arianna Bocco has been named president of IFC Films. Her promotion comes after more than a decade at the indie studio, where Bocco oversaw acquisitions and productions for IFC Films as well as for its genre label IFC Midnight.
Bocco is stepping into the role after Lisa Schwartz announced in November that she was stepping down as co-president of the studio. Jonathan Sehring, who served as co-president of IFC Films for decades, left the company in 2018.
In her new role, Bocco will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution. She will also be tasked with continuing to grow its subscription streaming service, IFC Films Unlimited.
IFC Films is owned by AMC Networks. Bocco will now report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks’ president of SVOD. He, in turn, reports to Ed Carroll, AMC Networks’ COO.
“Arianna is a talented and respected executive who...
Bocco is stepping into the role after Lisa Schwartz announced in November that she was stepping down as co-president of the studio. Jonathan Sehring, who served as co-president of IFC Films for decades, left the company in 2018.
In her new role, Bocco will continue to oversee acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution. She will also be tasked with continuing to grow its subscription streaming service, IFC Films Unlimited.
IFC Films is owned by AMC Networks. Bocco will now report to Miguel Penella, AMC Networks’ president of SVOD. He, in turn, reports to Ed Carroll, AMC Networks’ COO.
“Arianna is a talented and respected executive who...
- 12/2/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Arianna Bocco has been named the president of IFC Films, AMC Networks announced on Wednesday.
Bocco has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films and its genre label IFC Midnight. In her new role, she will continue to oversee acquisitions and productions, as well as marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service. She will report to AMC Networks President of SVOD Miguel Penella.
IFC Films is having an impressive year despite the Covid-19 pandemic, with the studio finding box office success at drive-in theaters with the release of indie horror films like “The Rental” and “The Wretched” that have ranked among some of the distributor’s top-performing titles even when compared to normal circumstances.
Lisa Schwartz announced last month that she would step down from her position as co-president of IFC Films at the end of the year.
Bocco has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films and its genre label IFC Midnight. In her new role, she will continue to oversee acquisitions and productions, as well as marketing and publicity, while adding oversight of theatrical film distribution and IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming service. She will report to AMC Networks President of SVOD Miguel Penella.
IFC Films is having an impressive year despite the Covid-19 pandemic, with the studio finding box office success at drive-in theaters with the release of indie horror films like “The Rental” and “The Wretched” that have ranked among some of the distributor’s top-performing titles even when compared to normal circumstances.
Lisa Schwartz announced last month that she would step down from her position as co-president of IFC Films at the end of the year.
- 12/2/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Arianna Bocco, who for over a decade has led acquisitions at IFC Films, has been named the distributor’s next president.
IFC Films parent AMC Networks announced Bocco’s promotion in a release Wednesday. The distributor is currently led by Co-President Lisa Schwartz, who is leaving the company at the end of the year after 14 years.
“Arianna is a talented and respected executive who has established IFC Films as a leading platform for new, emerging voices as well as acclaimed filmmakers, and through her acquisitions she has helped create a wide-ranging library of celebrated independent films for the company,” said AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll. “I’m confident that Arianna will bring her unmatched expertise and depth of knowledge to lead IFC Films to continued success and as we serve new audiences through our IFC Films Unlimited streaming offering.”
Bocco is being promoted to a newly created role, where she will continue to oversee acquisitions,...
IFC Films parent AMC Networks announced Bocco’s promotion in a release Wednesday. The distributor is currently led by Co-President Lisa Schwartz, who is leaving the company at the end of the year after 14 years.
“Arianna is a talented and respected executive who has established IFC Films as a leading platform for new, emerging voices as well as acclaimed filmmakers, and through her acquisitions she has helped create a wide-ranging library of celebrated independent films for the company,” said AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll. “I’m confident that Arianna will bring her unmatched expertise and depth of knowledge to lead IFC Films to continued success and as we serve new audiences through our IFC Films Unlimited streaming offering.”
Bocco is being promoted to a newly created role, where she will continue to oversee acquisitions,...
- 12/2/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Exclusive: AMC Networks is letting go 10% of its U.S. workforce, eliminating nearly 100 positions in a reorganization designed to streamline the company’s linear and streaming operations.
CEO Josh Sapan announced the cuts during a virtual town hall meeting earlier today, company insiders tell Deadline. He said a months-long strategic evaluation of the company had focused on an overhaul of its structure to emphasize areas with the greatest growth potential as streaming becomes more central to the entire industry. Similar to the view of other media leaders confronting the march of technology, Sapan said a central objective for 2021 and beyond will be to change how the company operates. Acquiring streaming customers, for example, is a different organizational process than driving higher affiliate fees.
Other media companies, including WarnerMedia and NBCUniversal, have recently shed jobs in restructuring efforts, and ViacomCBS and Disney have similarly streamlined as a result of major mergers.
CEO Josh Sapan announced the cuts during a virtual town hall meeting earlier today, company insiders tell Deadline. He said a months-long strategic evaluation of the company had focused on an overhaul of its structure to emphasize areas with the greatest growth potential as streaming becomes more central to the entire industry. Similar to the view of other media leaders confronting the march of technology, Sapan said a central objective for 2021 and beyond will be to change how the company operates. Acquiring streaming customers, for example, is a different organizational process than driving higher affiliate fees.
Other media companies, including WarnerMedia and NBCUniversal, have recently shed jobs in restructuring efforts, and ViacomCBS and Disney have similarly streamlined as a result of major mergers.
- 11/18/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks said its president of SVOD Miguel Penella is expanding his role to add AMC+ to the portfolio of subscription video on demand services he oversees.
The SVOD umbrella includes Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and Umc. AMC+ is the new premium subscription bundle that brings together content from across the company’s brands.
AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll praised Penella’s track record growing SVOD products and brands. “We look forward to Miguel bringing his vision and deep expertise to AMC+ as we accelerate our ability to serve fans of our shows by embracing the new ways they are consuming our content,” he said.
AMC+ includes original series from AMC and sister networks, ad-free with early premieres on demand, along with Shudder, Sundance Now and...
The SVOD umbrella includes Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and Umc. AMC+ is the new premium subscription bundle that brings together content from across the company’s brands.
AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll praised Penella’s track record growing SVOD products and brands. “We look forward to Miguel bringing his vision and deep expertise to AMC+ as we accelerate our ability to serve fans of our shows by embracing the new ways they are consuming our content,” he said.
AMC+ includes original series from AMC and sister networks, ad-free with early premieres on demand, along with Shudder, Sundance Now and...
- 9/24/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks streaming executive Miguel Penella has expanded his role to include oversight of AMC+, the company announced Thursday.
Penella, who joined AMC Networks in 2018 when the company acquired Acorn TV and Umc parent company Rlj Entertainment, currently oversees the company’s other direct-to-consumer businesses including Acorn, Umc, Shudder and Sundance Now.
Available to Dish, Sling TV and Comcast’s Xfinity customers, AMC+ is a streaming bundle featuring ad-free content from AMC and its sister networks, as well as Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited. It also features early premieres of AMC series including “The Walking Dead” and the upcoming spinoff “The Walking Dead: World Beyond.”
“AMC+ is a collection of unique, premium content brands, centered around a legacy of groundbreaking and quality storytelling that connects with audiences, and it represents a tremendous growth opportunity for AMC Networks,” Penella said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing our...
Penella, who joined AMC Networks in 2018 when the company acquired Acorn TV and Umc parent company Rlj Entertainment, currently oversees the company’s other direct-to-consumer businesses including Acorn, Umc, Shudder and Sundance Now.
Available to Dish, Sling TV and Comcast’s Xfinity customers, AMC+ is a streaming bundle featuring ad-free content from AMC and its sister networks, as well as Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited. It also features early premieres of AMC series including “The Walking Dead” and the upcoming spinoff “The Walking Dead: World Beyond.”
“AMC+ is a collection of unique, premium content brands, centered around a legacy of groundbreaking and quality storytelling that connects with audiences, and it represents a tremendous growth opportunity for AMC Networks,” Penella said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing our...
- 9/24/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Shudder, the streaming service focused on horror, thrillers and the supernatural, said Tuesday it has passed the 1 million subscriber mark.
AMC Networks launched Shudder in 2015. The company has pursued a niche streaming strategy, a contrast with larger media rivals launching mass-audience services like HBO Max, Peacock and Disney+. AMC executives have projected the company will end 2020 with close to 4 million total subscribers across Shudder and streaming siblings Acorn, Umc and Sundance Now.
Another of AMC Networks’ offerings, housed in a different part of the company, is AMC+. That subscription service, formerly called AMC Premiere, brings premieres of shows ahead of their linear TV airings, ad-free viewing and other bonuses to viewers on Comcast and Dish pay-tv systems.
Original programming is always the coin of the streaming realm, Shudder’s premiere of Creepshow last September prompted a surge in customer acquisition and engagement, the company said. A second season is in production.
AMC Networks launched Shudder in 2015. The company has pursued a niche streaming strategy, a contrast with larger media rivals launching mass-audience services like HBO Max, Peacock and Disney+. AMC executives have projected the company will end 2020 with close to 4 million total subscribers across Shudder and streaming siblings Acorn, Umc and Sundance Now.
Another of AMC Networks’ offerings, housed in a different part of the company, is AMC+. That subscription service, formerly called AMC Premiere, brings premieres of shows ahead of their linear TV airings, ad-free viewing and other bonuses to viewers on Comcast and Dish pay-tv systems.
Original programming is always the coin of the streaming realm, Shudder’s premiere of Creepshow last September prompted a surge in customer acquisition and engagement, the company said. A second season is in production.
- 9/22/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Acorn TV, the eight-year-old streaming service owned by AMC Networks, has surpassed one million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
Known for its specialty in British and international TV series like Manhunt and Doc Martin, Acorn has branched out of late.
Business-wise, it has opened the aperture in terms of distribution. In just the last few months, Acorn has become available via third-party engines like Apple TV, Roku Channel, Amazon Channels in Canada, YouTube TV and Android TV. Chromecast, Comcast/Xfinity, Roku and Amazon FireTV remain partners with Acorn.
“Since its launch, Acorn TV has led the way for streamers focused on a specialized audience,” said Miguel Penella, President, Global Direct-to-Consumer, AMC Networks. “Surpassing one million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada is a major milestone which underscores that subscribers love the trusted Acorn TV experience filled with highly entertaining and captivating original and exclusive entertainment.
“Acorn TV’s strong momentum,...
Known for its specialty in British and international TV series like Manhunt and Doc Martin, Acorn has branched out of late.
Business-wise, it has opened the aperture in terms of distribution. In just the last few months, Acorn has become available via third-party engines like Apple TV, Roku Channel, Amazon Channels in Canada, YouTube TV and Android TV. Chromecast, Comcast/Xfinity, Roku and Amazon FireTV remain partners with Acorn.
“Since its launch, Acorn TV has led the way for streamers focused on a specialized audience,” said Miguel Penella, President, Global Direct-to-Consumer, AMC Networks. “Surpassing one million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada is a major milestone which underscores that subscribers love the trusted Acorn TV experience filled with highly entertaining and captivating original and exclusive entertainment.
“Acorn TV’s strong momentum,...
- 9/19/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: AMC Networks, whose streaming past was marked by Netflix deals that helped build cornerstone shows like Breaking Bad, has been charting its streaming future with four increasingly viable direct-to-consumer streaming services.
None of the outlets is a mass-audience juggernaut, but that’s never been the plan. As a portfolio they have grown steadily and offer the company more options for how to connect with consumers, some of whom are cutting and shaving the cord. Executives tell Deadline the four services combined will have north of 2 million subscribers by the end of 2019 and are on track to achieve profitability by the end of 2020. That’s a meaningful development for a company navigating a dramatically transforming pay-tv ecosystem.
“We’ve been moving increasingly into direct-to-consumer streaming. But we see our businesses as complementary with the major streaming services and not as a replacement for them,” COO Ed Carroll told Deadline in an interview.
None of the outlets is a mass-audience juggernaut, but that’s never been the plan. As a portfolio they have grown steadily and offer the company more options for how to connect with consumers, some of whom are cutting and shaving the cord. Executives tell Deadline the four services combined will have north of 2 million subscribers by the end of 2019 and are on track to achieve profitability by the end of 2020. That’s a meaningful development for a company navigating a dramatically transforming pay-tv ecosystem.
“We’ve been moving increasingly into direct-to-consumer streaming. But we see our businesses as complementary with the major streaming services and not as a replacement for them,” COO Ed Carroll told Deadline in an interview.
- 7/30/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks has named Rlj Entertainment head Miguel Penella to the new role of President, Global Direct-to-Consumer. He will continue to run Rlje, the parent of Acorn TV and Umc in which AMC acquired a majority stake last year.
In his new position, Penella will oversee a portfolio that includes Shudder and Sundance Now as well as Acorn and Umc (Urban Movie Channel). The company’s AMC Premiere service is technically not classified as direct-to-consumer since it requires a pay-tv subscription.
Like many content-centric owners of cable networks, AMC Networks is pushing to diversify its revenue streams and lessen its dependence on traditional pay-tv carriage as the TV bundle is reconfigured.
“Miguel is perfectly qualified to take on this new assignment, consistent with his role as president of Rlj Entertainment. His leadership will continue to prove the benefit of the strategic combination of Rlj Entertainment and AMC Networks,” Rlj founder...
In his new position, Penella will oversee a portfolio that includes Shudder and Sundance Now as well as Acorn and Umc (Urban Movie Channel). The company’s AMC Premiere service is technically not classified as direct-to-consumer since it requires a pay-tv subscription.
Like many content-centric owners of cable networks, AMC Networks is pushing to diversify its revenue streams and lessen its dependence on traditional pay-tv carriage as the TV bundle is reconfigured.
“Miguel is perfectly qualified to take on this new assignment, consistent with his role as president of Rlj Entertainment. His leadership will continue to prove the benefit of the strategic combination of Rlj Entertainment and AMC Networks,” Rlj founder...
- 4/5/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Acorn TV has launched in Latin America, the first rollout outside North America for the British programming focused Svod service. The streamer has launched on Roku devices in 12 countries in Lat-Am including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.
Programming will be in English with Spanish subtitles and the service will be priced at $4.99 a month. The launch lineup includes popular British series “Doc Martin” and “Line of Duty.” Other shows on the Latin American service are Iain Glen detective show “Jack Taylor,” and BBC period drama “The Great Train Robbery.”
Acorn TV is operated by Rlj Entertainment, which said international expansion is a key goal for this year. “One of our top 2018 priorities is accelerating our expansion of our distribution footprint, and Acorn TV’s launch in Latin America with our partner Roku is another step in this progression,” said Rlje CEO Miguel Penella.
“This advancement in our international expansion underscores...
Programming will be in English with Spanish subtitles and the service will be priced at $4.99 a month. The launch lineup includes popular British series “Doc Martin” and “Line of Duty.” Other shows on the Latin American service are Iain Glen detective show “Jack Taylor,” and BBC period drama “The Great Train Robbery.”
Acorn TV is operated by Rlj Entertainment, which said international expansion is a key goal for this year. “One of our top 2018 priorities is accelerating our expansion of our distribution footprint, and Acorn TV’s launch in Latin America with our partner Roku is another step in this progression,” said Rlje CEO Miguel Penella.
“This advancement in our international expansion underscores...
- 6/5/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Acorn Media Group, a boutique DVD production and distribution company, said Monday that it has promoted Miguel Penella to CEO effective April 1, replacing founder Peter Edwards who will remain chairman of the board. Acorn, best known for delivering British TV programming via DVD, expects to release 71 titles this year in the U.S. and rack up $80 million worldwide revenue. Penella was president of the company's catalog and online direct-to-consumer division Acorn Direct and is a former vp at Time-Life.
Take-Two surges
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. said Monday that it is weighing a potential sale of the company and other options, as an investor group seeks control of the company. Shares of Take-Two surged 8.4% to $22.61, their highest level since late 2005, giving the third-largest U.S. video game publisher a market value of about $1.7 billion. Take-Two said it was reviewing alternatives that it could raise with the investor group, which owns 46% of shares and wants to take control of the board and oust CEO Paul Eibeler.
Take-Two surges
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. said Monday that it is weighing a potential sale of the company and other options, as an investor group seeks control of the company. Shares of Take-Two surged 8.4% to $22.61, their highest level since late 2005, giving the third-largest U.S. video game publisher a market value of about $1.7 billion. Take-Two said it was reviewing alternatives that it could raise with the investor group, which owns 46% of shares and wants to take control of the board and oust CEO Paul Eibeler.
- 3/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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