There are few better places than Series Mania’s industry Forum to gauge the mood of the scripted TV industry. For three concentrated days this week, execs from the international TV business gathered in Lille to talk business, scout for shows and to swap ideas.
Screen distills the key conversation points from the 2024 edition.
Survive till 2025
The weather was bright this year in Lille, but the conversations were often darker. For many, 2023 was tough because of US strikes, economic uncertainty and a commissioning slowdown. If anything, 2024 is tougher still. The mood among the UK contingent was particularly bleak. “I don...
Screen distills the key conversation points from the 2024 edition.
Survive till 2025
The weather was bright this year in Lille, but the conversations were often darker. For many, 2023 was tough because of US strikes, economic uncertainty and a commissioning slowdown. If anything, 2024 is tougher still. The mood among the UK contingent was particularly bleak. “I don...
- 3/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Disney+ unveiled new originals out of France, Germany and Spain at Series Mania, with period drama and a pair of true crime projects added to a 70-part Spanish novella that will be stripped through the week.
Episodes of Spanish series Return to Las Sabinas will drop Monday to Friday across its run. The daily drama hails from Banijay prodco Diagonal TV.
Sofia Fabregas, VP of Original Production, Spain, took to the stage at Series Mania here in Lille, France, to announce a true crime documentary project, Lucrecia: A Murder In Madrid, at a Disney+ showcase. The doc will explore the racist 1992 murder of Lucrecia Pérezs in a Madrid night club. Justin Webster (El Pionero) is the co-writer and executive producer alongside Sumpta Ayuso (The Madrid Connection).
Kevin Deysson, Disney’s Director of Original Programs for France, announced a new series from Itinéraire productions, which made the BAFTA-nominated French Original Oussekine for the subscription streaming platform.
Episodes of Spanish series Return to Las Sabinas will drop Monday to Friday across its run. The daily drama hails from Banijay prodco Diagonal TV.
Sofia Fabregas, VP of Original Production, Spain, took to the stage at Series Mania here in Lille, France, to announce a true crime documentary project, Lucrecia: A Murder In Madrid, at a Disney+ showcase. The doc will explore the racist 1992 murder of Lucrecia Pérezs in a Madrid night club. Justin Webster (El Pionero) is the co-writer and executive producer alongside Sumpta Ayuso (The Madrid Connection).
Kevin Deysson, Disney’s Director of Original Programs for France, announced a new series from Itinéraire productions, which made the BAFTA-nominated French Original Oussekine for the subscription streaming platform.
- 3/20/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Disney+ executive Johanna Devereaux is joining AppleTV+’s development team in Europe led by creative director Jay Hunt, known for greenlighting series including “Slow Horses,” “Hijack” and “Bad Sisters.”
Devereaux, who will be based in London, most recently served as vice president of scripted content and diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for Disney+’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division.
She has been a driving force behind the launch of 34 originals on the streamer, with more than 40 further titles greenlit, including “Wedding Season,” “Extraordinary,” “Culprits,” “Playdate,” “Renegade Nell,” and “The Good Mothers.”
Before joining the Disney+ Emea team, Devereaux served as ABC Studios International’s director of development, where she established the studio’s first scripted strategy outside of North America and built a slate across the Emea and Asia-Pacific regions, spearheading series including “Harrow” and “The Gloaming.” Prior to Disney, she worked in intellectual property at Curtis Brown...
Devereaux, who will be based in London, most recently served as vice president of scripted content and diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for Disney+’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division.
She has been a driving force behind the launch of 34 originals on the streamer, with more than 40 further titles greenlit, including “Wedding Season,” “Extraordinary,” “Culprits,” “Playdate,” “Renegade Nell,” and “The Good Mothers.”
Before joining the Disney+ Emea team, Devereaux served as ABC Studios International’s director of development, where she established the studio’s first scripted strategy outside of North America and built a slate across the Emea and Asia-Pacific regions, spearheading series including “Harrow” and “The Gloaming.” Prior to Disney, she worked in intellectual property at Curtis Brown...
- 9/29/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Disney+ UK scripted exec Johanna Devereaux has swapped the Mouse House for Apple TV+.
Devereaux, who was VP of Scripted Content and DE&I Strategy and has been a driving force behind Disney+’s scripted content outside the U.S., will join Apple TV+ Europe boss Jay Hunt’s scripted development team.
She will work in a drama team that has greenlit hits such as Slow Horses, Hijack and Bad Sisters.
At Disney, she had a hand in the launch of 34 originals including the likes of Extraordinary, Wedding Season and The Good Mothers. She worked in Liam Keelan’s team and closely with fellow scripted exec Lee Mason, the former It’s a Sin commissioner, while also overseeing the streamer’s Emea inclusion policy.
Going forwards, Mason will lead the team featuring Jonny Richards and Hannah Scott, with Mason assuming all responsibility for projects set to launch from January onwards as...
Devereaux, who was VP of Scripted Content and DE&I Strategy and has been a driving force behind Disney+’s scripted content outside the U.S., will join Apple TV+ Europe boss Jay Hunt’s scripted development team.
She will work in a drama team that has greenlit hits such as Slow Horses, Hijack and Bad Sisters.
At Disney, she had a hand in the launch of 34 originals including the likes of Extraordinary, Wedding Season and The Good Mothers. She worked in Liam Keelan’s team and closely with fellow scripted exec Lee Mason, the former It’s a Sin commissioner, while also overseeing the streamer’s Emea inclusion policy.
Going forwards, Mason will lead the team featuring Jonny Richards and Hannah Scott, with Mason assuming all responsibility for projects set to launch from January onwards as...
- 9/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ has “pretty much” hit its target of creating 50 original international titles, according to its Europe content boss.
Liam Keelan, Disney’s SVP, Original Content, Europe and Africa, confirmed the target, which was set back in December 2020, had almost been met a year ahead of schedule. This is despite the general downturn in commissioning in Europe this year and potential changes in Disney+’s strategic focus going forwards spearheaded by Disney CEO Bob Iger.
“We’ve pretty much got there already,” said Keelan, though he added Disney+ is “never going to be in that high-volume game.”
He added: “It’s more about quality.”
The 50-title figure includes returning series such as Extraordinary, the British superhero workplace comedy about a world in which normal people have powers. Disney also announced cast for UK thriller Playdate and unscripted show World War Shoe: Adidas Vs. Puma today at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Extraordinary...
Liam Keelan, Disney’s SVP, Original Content, Europe and Africa, confirmed the target, which was set back in December 2020, had almost been met a year ahead of schedule. This is despite the general downturn in commissioning in Europe this year and potential changes in Disney+’s strategic focus going forwards spearheaded by Disney CEO Bob Iger.
“We’ve pretty much got there already,” said Keelan, though he added Disney+ is “never going to be in that high-volume game.”
He added: “It’s more about quality.”
The 50-title figure includes returning series such as Extraordinary, the British superhero workplace comedy about a world in which normal people have powers. Disney also announced cast for UK thriller Playdate and unscripted show World War Shoe: Adidas Vs. Puma today at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Extraordinary...
- 8/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Meera Syal is to deliver the Alternative MacTaggart at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Syal also received the BAFTA Fellowship and has appeared in the likes of Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at Number 42 and The Split. She will soon be seen in Acorn’s Mrs. Sindhu Investigates and Prime Video’s Wheel of Time.
“I’m so excited that the wonderful Meera Syal has agreed to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker,” said Edinburgh Advisory Chair Kiran Nataraja. “As an icon who has always been at the forefront of the industry, I know her unique perspective will make for a fascinating and lively session.”
Syal added: “I am delighted to be invited to speak as this year’s Alternative MacTaggart and look forward to sharing some of those untold stories with the wonderful Fatima Salaria.”e
The main MacTaggart will be delivered by Louis Theroux. Other sessions confirmed today...
Syal also received the BAFTA Fellowship and has appeared in the likes of Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at Number 42 and The Split. She will soon be seen in Acorn’s Mrs. Sindhu Investigates and Prime Video’s Wheel of Time.
“I’m so excited that the wonderful Meera Syal has agreed to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker,” said Edinburgh Advisory Chair Kiran Nataraja. “As an icon who has always been at the forefront of the industry, I know her unique perspective will make for a fascinating and lively session.”
Syal added: “I am delighted to be invited to speak as this year’s Alternative MacTaggart and look forward to sharing some of those untold stories with the wonderful Fatima Salaria.”e
The main MacTaggart will be delivered by Louis Theroux. Other sessions confirmed today...
- 7/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ is making a drama about Jean Charles de Menezes, the innocent Brazillian national shot in the UK as police hunted down a group of terrorists.
Philomena writer Jeff Pope is behind Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, which is being produced by ITV Studios-backed Etta Pictures.
Set immediately after the London bombings in 2005, the series will focus on the manhunt for a group of would-be terrorists and the tragic killing of the innocent Brazillian, after he was mistaken as a suspect. His 2005 murder is seen as one of the great British miscarriages of justice and the Met Police was found guilty in 2007, with Commissioner Ian Blair resigning shortly afterwards. De Menezes’ parents and other relatives are among those serving as consultants for the series.
The series will be directed by BAFTA award-winning Paul Andrew Williams (A Confession) and produced by BAFTA award-winner Kwadjo Dajan (Appropriate Adult...
Philomena writer Jeff Pope is behind Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, which is being produced by ITV Studios-backed Etta Pictures.
Set immediately after the London bombings in 2005, the series will focus on the manhunt for a group of would-be terrorists and the tragic killing of the innocent Brazillian, after he was mistaken as a suspect. His 2005 murder is seen as one of the great British miscarriages of justice and the Met Police was found guilty in 2007, with Commissioner Ian Blair resigning shortly afterwards. De Menezes’ parents and other relatives are among those serving as consultants for the series.
The series will be directed by BAFTA award-winning Paul Andrew Williams (A Confession) and produced by BAFTA award-winner Kwadjo Dajan (Appropriate Adult...
- 6/22/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ execs in Europe appeared outwardly upbeat about Bob Iger’s return to the House of Mouse during their first public outing since Bob Chapek’s shock ousting some 10 days ago.
This is despite the fact that Iger is reportedly looking to change course when it comes to streaming strategy. He is said to have told employees at his first town hall on Monday he wants to re-focus Disney+ onto profitability as opposed to subscriber growth, a development that potentially puts him at odds with the platform’s current strategy, particularly internationally where Disney has been building an impressive (but expensive) stable of local originals.
Last year Jan Koeppen, president of The Walt Disney Company Emea, revealed the company had upped its target of local originals from 50 to 60 by 2024. Of those, 40 have already been commissioned, produced or released. These include forthcoming dramas about fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld (produced in France...
This is despite the fact that Iger is reportedly looking to change course when it comes to streaming strategy. He is said to have told employees at his first town hall on Monday he wants to re-focus Disney+ onto profitability as opposed to subscriber growth, a development that potentially puts him at odds with the platform’s current strategy, particularly internationally where Disney has been building an impressive (but expensive) stable of local originals.
Last year Jan Koeppen, president of The Walt Disney Company Emea, revealed the company had upped its target of local originals from 50 to 60 by 2024. Of those, 40 have already been commissioned, produced or released. These include forthcoming dramas about fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld (produced in France...
- 11/30/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Diego Londono comes alive when reflecting on the success of Disney+’s Italian remake of The Ignorant Angels, one of the streamer’s first international originals that tells the story of an unexpected and moving friendship at a time of change.
While Disney+ doesn’t report viewing figures for individual shows, Londono says it is this remake of 2001 film The Ignorant Fairies above all others that has helped “change perceptions” of what a Disney show can be, bringing in a broader audience and driving the day-to-day proposition.
“This is strong local talent coming from known IP aimed at an older audience that has really resonated,” Londono explains enthusiastically, as the Executive Vice President, Media Networks and Content, Emea, sits down for an interview with Deadline on a rainy day in early September at Disney’s West London headquarters.
The man responsible for the daunting task of guaranteeing Disney+’s...
While Disney+ doesn’t report viewing figures for individual shows, Londono says it is this remake of 2001 film The Ignorant Fairies above all others that has helped “change perceptions” of what a Disney show can be, bringing in a broader audience and driving the day-to-day proposition.
“This is strong local talent coming from known IP aimed at an older audience that has really resonated,” Londono explains enthusiastically, as the Executive Vice President, Media Networks and Content, Emea, sits down for an interview with Deadline on a rainy day in early September at Disney’s West London headquarters.
The man responsible for the daunting task of guaranteeing Disney+’s...
- 10/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Nat Geo UK-based commissioning and production team has been restructured and now feeds into Disney’s Emea production hub, reporting to Liam Keelan.
The move is understood to have taken place several weeks ago, with the Nat Geo London-based team now focusing on international productions, regional European and local market productions. The team is also working closely with London-based Sean Doyle, Disney’s Director of Original Production, Unscripted General Entertainment for Europe and Africa, it is understood.
The Nat Geo team, which comprises the likes of Commissioning Editors Carolyn Payne and Simon Raikes, Associate Producer, Development and Production Alexander Lawson and Production and Development Coordinator Daisy Bryant, now reports into Keelan (pictured), Disney’s Vice President Original Content, Europe and Africa, whose main focus is Disney+. Keelan, a former BBC Studios scripted exec and BBC commissioner who joined 18 months ago, reports into Diego Londono, Emea EVP, Media Networks and Content.
The move is understood to have taken place several weeks ago, with the Nat Geo London-based team now focusing on international productions, regional European and local market productions. The team is also working closely with London-based Sean Doyle, Disney’s Director of Original Production, Unscripted General Entertainment for Europe and Africa, it is understood.
The Nat Geo team, which comprises the likes of Commissioning Editors Carolyn Payne and Simon Raikes, Associate Producer, Development and Production Alexander Lawson and Production and Development Coordinator Daisy Bryant, now reports into Keelan (pictured), Disney’s Vice President Original Content, Europe and Africa, whose main focus is Disney+. Keelan, a former BBC Studios scripted exec and BBC commissioner who joined 18 months ago, reports into Diego Londono, Emea EVP, Media Networks and Content.
- 11/17/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Good afternoon International Insiders. Max Goldbart here with your weekly batch of headlines and analysis. To get this sent to your inbox every Friday, sign up here.
Disney+ Day
Height of fashion: As we eagerly await news of what promises to be a packed Disney+ US slate, the streamer delved deeper into its European originals pot this morning, ordering its debut Spanish offering. Six-part drama Balenciaga (working title) is exactly the sort of high-end fare Disney+ is keen for, telling the story of a man who dares defy his social status as the son of a seamstress and fisherman to become a prominent fashion designer.
Disney+ Day: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
International ambitions: Almost since day one, the now-well-established disruptor has been clear about its international ambitions for both Disney+ and adult-skewing vertical Star, spearheaded by Emea content boss Liam Keelan. Balenciaga is the 21st Disney+ commissioned outside of the...
Disney+ Day
Height of fashion: As we eagerly await news of what promises to be a packed Disney+ US slate, the streamer delved deeper into its European originals pot this morning, ordering its debut Spanish offering. Six-part drama Balenciaga (working title) is exactly the sort of high-end fare Disney+ is keen for, telling the story of a man who dares defy his social status as the son of a seamstress and fisherman to become a prominent fashion designer.
Disney+ Day: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
International ambitions: Almost since day one, the now-well-established disruptor has been clear about its international ambitions for both Disney+ and adult-skewing vertical Star, spearheaded by Emea content boss Liam Keelan. Balenciaga is the 21st Disney+ commissioned outside of the...
- 11/12/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Good news for prospective writers and producers across Europe, with Disney+ revealing today the extent of its ambition when it comes to original programming in the region, aiming for a staggering 50 productions each year by 2024.
Following the success of Disney’s streaming service over the past 18 months – to the tune of 116 million global subscribers – Liam Keelan, Disney’s VP Original Production, Emea, admitted the platform had exceeded all expectations. He reflected during a session at the Edinburgh TV Festival: “It was one of the few benefits of Covid. We had that captive audience and it helped people out with young kids during lockdown.”
Keelan left BBC Studios’ scripted division in 2019 and joined Disney last year for this newly created role. He oversees commissioning across its linear channels and on streaming service Disney+.
Disney’s launch success has fuelled its Emea ambitions and helped prioritise content decisions. Keelan said of the...
Following the success of Disney’s streaming service over the past 18 months – to the tune of 116 million global subscribers – Liam Keelan, Disney’s VP Original Production, Emea, admitted the platform had exceeded all expectations. He reflected during a session at the Edinburgh TV Festival: “It was one of the few benefits of Covid. We had that captive audience and it helped people out with young kids during lockdown.”
Keelan left BBC Studios’ scripted division in 2019 and joined Disney last year for this newly created role. He oversees commissioning across its linear channels and on streaming service Disney+.
Disney’s launch success has fuelled its Emea ambitions and helped prioritise content decisions. Keelan said of the...
- 8/23/2021
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Original content and diversity were in focus on Monday, the first day of the Edinburgh TV Festival, with executives from Netflix U.K. and Walt Disney Europe discussing their strategies.
London-based Liam Keelan, Disney Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) vp of original content, said he and his team members are “focused on getting shows that really have a particular feel” and are “feeling different” when evaluating original fare.
With a current focus on the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Spain, he said he is looking for scripted and unscripted ideas with a target of reaching up to 50 ...
London-based Liam Keelan, Disney Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) vp of original content, said he and his team members are “focused on getting shows that really have a particular feel” and are “feeling different” when evaluating original fare.
With a current focus on the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Spain, he said he is looking for scripted and unscripted ideas with a target of reaching up to 50 ...
- 8/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Original content and diversity were in focus on Monday, the first day of the Edinburgh TV Festival, with executives from Netflix U.K. and Walt Disney Europe discussing their strategies.
London-based Liam Keelan, Disney Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) vp of original content, said he and his team members are “focused on getting shows that really have a particular feel” and are “feeling different” when evaluating original fare.
With a current focus on the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Spain, he said he is looking for scripted and unscripted ideas with a target of reaching up to 50 ...
London-based Liam Keelan, Disney Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) vp of original content, said he and his team members are “focused on getting shows that really have a particular feel” and are “feeling different” when evaluating original fare.
With a current focus on the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Spain, he said he is looking for scripted and unscripted ideas with a target of reaching up to 50 ...
- 8/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney+ is close to unveiling its next UK scripted series, which hails from The Salisbury Poisonings producer Dancing Ledge Productions and Emily In Paris outfit Jax Media.
Deadline understands that the two companies are gearing up to go into production on Wedding Season, though the project has not yet been fully greenlit. Sources billed the series as a rom-com action-adventure story. Plot details are still under wraps.
Wedding Season is penned by Oliver Lyttelton, the breakout writer behind BBC Studios’ upcoming self-commissioned, short-form scripted series Cheaters, which is made by The End of the F***ing World producer Clerkenwell Films.
Lyttelton’s short film The Listener premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2015 and was longlisted for best short at the 2016 BAFTA Film Awards. He also has a number of other projects in development with Clerkenwell.
We also hear that George Kane has been attached to direct. Kane...
Deadline understands that the two companies are gearing up to go into production on Wedding Season, though the project has not yet been fully greenlit. Sources billed the series as a rom-com action-adventure story. Plot details are still under wraps.
Wedding Season is penned by Oliver Lyttelton, the breakout writer behind BBC Studios’ upcoming self-commissioned, short-form scripted series Cheaters, which is made by The End of the F***ing World producer Clerkenwell Films.
Lyttelton’s short film The Listener premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2015 and was longlisted for best short at the 2016 BAFTA Film Awards. He also has a number of other projects in development with Clerkenwell.
We also hear that George Kane has been attached to direct. Kane...
- 6/23/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Hires Netflix Emea Exec Emma Smart
Disney has recruited Emma Smart, Netflix’s London-based director of business affairs for original series, as its VP for business affairs, originals. Smart will report to Diego Londono, Disney’s EVP, media networks and content, negotiating UK-based original productions, as well as having oversight of European production deals. She will work alongside Sonja Brugger, VP acquisitions and commercial affairs, and Liam Keelan, VP, original production. Prior to joining Netflix in 2018, she was head of business affairs for drama at ITV.
‘After Life’ Season 3 Begins Shooting
Netflix has announced that Season 3 of Ricky Gervais comedy After Life has started shooting. Set in the small, fictitious town of Tambury, the comedy-drama series follows Tony (Gervais), a writer for the local newspaper whose life is upended after his wife dies from cancer. Produced by Derek Productions, the third season forms part of an overall deal Gervais has with Netflix.
Disney has recruited Emma Smart, Netflix’s London-based director of business affairs for original series, as its VP for business affairs, originals. Smart will report to Diego Londono, Disney’s EVP, media networks and content, negotiating UK-based original productions, as well as having oversight of European production deals. She will work alongside Sonja Brugger, VP acquisitions and commercial affairs, and Liam Keelan, VP, original production. Prior to joining Netflix in 2018, she was head of business affairs for drama at ITV.
‘After Life’ Season 3 Begins Shooting
Netflix has announced that Season 3 of Ricky Gervais comedy After Life has started shooting. Set in the small, fictitious town of Tambury, the comedy-drama series follows Tony (Gervais), a writer for the local newspaper whose life is upended after his wife dies from cancer. Produced by Derek Productions, the third season forms part of an overall deal Gervais has with Netflix.
- 4/19/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The series include ‘Culprits’ from the producers of ‘The Night Manager’ and ‘Killing Eve’.
Streaming service Disney+ has ordered its first slate of original series in the UK, including a dark comedy thriller from UK filmmaker J Blakeson.
Culprits has been created by Blakeson, whose features include The Disappearance Of Alice Creed, The 5th Wave and I Care A Lot. The latter debuted at Toronto International Film Festival in 2020.
The series will come under Disney’s adult-focused Star brand and follows what happens after a heist, when the crew have gone their separate ways but are being targeted one-by-one by a killer.
Streaming service Disney+ has ordered its first slate of original series in the UK, including a dark comedy thriller from UK filmmaker J Blakeson.
Culprits has been created by Blakeson, whose features include The Disappearance Of Alice Creed, The 5th Wave and I Care A Lot. The latter debuted at Toronto International Film Festival in 2020.
The series will come under Disney’s adult-focused Star brand and follows what happens after a heist, when the crew have gone their separate ways but are being targeted one-by-one by a killer.
- 4/15/2021
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Disney+ has unveiled a slate of UK scripted originals, teaming on projects with the producers behind Killing Eve, Gentleman Jack, and The Night Manager.
Building on U.S. originals including WandaVision, the new eight-part shows will play across Disney+ and Star, the streamer’s grownup international brand, which sits as a tile on the Disney+ menu.
The three projects include a Disney+ swashbuckling adventure from BAFTA-winning Gentleman Jack writer Sally Wainwright, produced by Lookout Point and titled The Ballad of Renegade Nell; Star heist series Culprits, written by J Blakeson (I Care A Lot) and produced by Character 7’s Stephen Garrett, who made The Night Manager; and Sid Gentle Films’ Extraordinary, a Star comedy series from new talent Emma Moran.
Here are the loglines for each:
The Ballad of Renegade Nell
When she’s framed for murder, Nell Jackson is forced into a life of highway robbery, along with her...
Building on U.S. originals including WandaVision, the new eight-part shows will play across Disney+ and Star, the streamer’s grownup international brand, which sits as a tile on the Disney+ menu.
The three projects include a Disney+ swashbuckling adventure from BAFTA-winning Gentleman Jack writer Sally Wainwright, produced by Lookout Point and titled The Ballad of Renegade Nell; Star heist series Culprits, written by J Blakeson (I Care A Lot) and produced by Character 7’s Stephen Garrett, who made The Night Manager; and Sid Gentle Films’ Extraordinary, a Star comedy series from new talent Emma Moran.
Here are the loglines for each:
The Ballad of Renegade Nell
When she’s framed for murder, Nell Jackson is forced into a life of highway robbery, along with her...
- 4/15/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Lee Mason has been a commissioner at UK broadcaster Channel 4.
Disney+ has appointed commissioner Lee Mason as its director of scripted content for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mason, who has been at UK broadcaster Channel 4 for nine years, will join the 100m-subscriber strong platform this summer.
His appointment rounds out vice-president of original productions Liam Keelan’s senior commissioning team, which also features Mason’s former C4 colleague Sean Doyle, who joined as director of unscripted production in January.
Mason will take charge of drama and comedy commissioning for Disney+’s brands, including fledgling general entertainment section Star.
Disney+ has appointed commissioner Lee Mason as its director of scripted content for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mason, who has been at UK broadcaster Channel 4 for nine years, will join the 100m-subscriber strong platform this summer.
His appointment rounds out vice-president of original productions Liam Keelan’s senior commissioning team, which also features Mason’s former C4 colleague Sean Doyle, who joined as director of unscripted production in January.
Mason will take charge of drama and comedy commissioning for Disney+’s brands, including fledgling general entertainment section Star.
- 4/8/2021
- by Alex Farber Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Disney Plus has hired Channel 4 commissioner Lee Mason to join its scripted team for Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea), Variety has confirmed.
Set to join the streamer this summer, Mason will serve as director of scripted content for Emea, reporting into Liam Keelan, VP of original content for Europe and Africa at Disney. He will work alongside Johanna Devereaux, the platform’s other director of scripted content.
Mason first joined Channel 4 in 2011, and has commissioned shows including “It’s a Sin,” now a major hit for HBO Max, and “The End of the F***ing World,” which was a high-profile co-production with Netflix. Other shows include “Ackley Bridge,” “Adult Material,” “Help,” “Screw” and “The Birth of Daniel F Harris.”
Keelan, a former BBC Studios scripted executive, has steadily been building out his team of commissioners for Disney Plus, which launched in Europe just over a year ago. Most recently, he...
Set to join the streamer this summer, Mason will serve as director of scripted content for Emea, reporting into Liam Keelan, VP of original content for Europe and Africa at Disney. He will work alongside Johanna Devereaux, the platform’s other director of scripted content.
Mason first joined Channel 4 in 2011, and has commissioned shows including “It’s a Sin,” now a major hit for HBO Max, and “The End of the F***ing World,” which was a high-profile co-production with Netflix. Other shows include “Ackley Bridge,” “Adult Material,” “Help,” “Screw” and “The Birth of Daniel F Harris.”
Keelan, a former BBC Studios scripted executive, has steadily been building out his team of commissioners for Disney Plus, which launched in Europe just over a year ago. Most recently, he...
- 4/8/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+ has hired Lee Mason, the Channel 4 commissioner behind It’s A Sin, as a scripted chief in Emea.
Mason will join the streamer as director of scripted in the summer after nearly a decade at Channel 4, where he was also involved in commissioning BAFTA-winning Netflix co-production The End of the F***ing World. He will report to Liam Keelan, VP of original content in Emea.
Mason is the second Channel 4 commissioner Keelan has poached this year after he recruited Sean Doyle to be Disney+’s point-person for unscripted producers in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Both Mason and Doyle will work across Disney+ and its grownup brand Star to commission original series. The streamer unveiled its first European slate in February, which included drama series such as mafia drama The Good Mothers from House Productions and Wildside.
UK trade Broadcast first reported Mason’s appointment. He will work alongside Johanna Devereaux,...
Mason will join the streamer as director of scripted in the summer after nearly a decade at Channel 4, where he was also involved in commissioning BAFTA-winning Netflix co-production The End of the F***ing World. He will report to Liam Keelan, VP of original content in Emea.
Mason is the second Channel 4 commissioner Keelan has poached this year after he recruited Sean Doyle to be Disney+’s point-person for unscripted producers in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Both Mason and Doyle will work across Disney+ and its grownup brand Star to commission original series. The streamer unveiled its first European slate in February, which included drama series such as mafia drama The Good Mothers from House Productions and Wildside.
UK trade Broadcast first reported Mason’s appointment. He will work alongside Johanna Devereaux,...
- 4/8/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ has beefed up its growing operations across the Atlantic, hiring Lee Mason as its director of scripted content for Emea.
Mason joins after almost a decade at U.K. network Channel 4, where he served as drama commissioner and was behind hit shows such as It’s a Sin and The End of the F***ing World. He’ll report to Liam Keelan, Disney+ VP of original content for Emea and will work alongside the streamer’s other director of scripted content, Johanna Devereaux.
The appointment is the second poach from Channel 4 that Disney+ has made this year, with Sean Doyle joining as ...
Mason joins after almost a decade at U.K. network Channel 4, where he served as drama commissioner and was behind hit shows such as It’s a Sin and The End of the F***ing World. He’ll report to Liam Keelan, Disney+ VP of original content for Emea and will work alongside the streamer’s other director of scripted content, Johanna Devereaux.
The appointment is the second poach from Channel 4 that Disney+ has made this year, with Sean Doyle joining as ...
Disney+ has beefed up its growing operations across the Atlantic, hiring Lee Mason as its second director of scripted content for Emea.
Mason joins after almost a decade at U.K. network Channel 4, where he served as drama commissioner and was behind hit shows such as It’s a Sin and The End of the F***ing World. He’ll report to Liam Keelan, Disney+ VP of original content for Emea and will work alongside the streamer’s other director of scripted content, Johanna Devereaux.
The appointment is the second poach from Channel 4 that Disney+ has made this year, with Sean Doyle joining ...
Mason joins after almost a decade at U.K. network Channel 4, where he served as drama commissioner and was behind hit shows such as It’s a Sin and The End of the F***ing World. He’ll report to Liam Keelan, Disney+ VP of original content for Emea and will work alongside the streamer’s other director of scripted content, Johanna Devereaux.
The appointment is the second poach from Channel 4 that Disney+ has made this year, with Sean Doyle joining ...
Hello, and welcome to International Insider, Jake Kanter here. Take a walk with me through some of the global film and TV stories you need to read this week. Want to get in touch? I’m on jkanter@deadline.com, or my DMs are open on Twitter. And sign up here to get this delivered to your inbox every Friday.
Disney Reaches For The Star
Disney doubles down: It was a big week for Disney+, as it set the scene for the launch of international entertainment streaming brand, Star, in 17 territories on February 23. Nearly a year on from launching in Europe, Disney+ is now ratcheting up the heat in the streaming wars as it looks to further grow its rapidly-amassed base of 95 million subscribers in 58 territories across the world.
So what’s Star? Well, you can think of it as the international answer to Hulu. It will go live as...
Disney Reaches For The Star
Disney doubles down: It was a big week for Disney+, as it set the scene for the launch of international entertainment streaming brand, Star, in 17 territories on February 23. Nearly a year on from launching in Europe, Disney+ is now ratcheting up the heat in the streaming wars as it looks to further grow its rapidly-amassed base of 95 million subscribers in 58 territories across the world.
So what’s Star? Well, you can think of it as the international answer to Hulu. It will go live as...
- 2/19/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Star launches on the Disney+ platform next week.
Disney+ will be an “exclusive streaming home” for the studio’s popular content in the coming months, according to top European executives speaking at the press rollout of the new Star hub.
“The approach we’re taking is very similar to the one we took when we programmed the Disney+ launch last year,” said Luke Bradley Jones, senior vice president, direct to consumer and general manager, Disney+ Emea.
“The mix of shows varies across the European markets depending on what rights deals we have in place as we launch, but the intent...
Disney+ will be an “exclusive streaming home” for the studio’s popular content in the coming months, according to top European executives speaking at the press rollout of the new Star hub.
“The approach we’re taking is very similar to the one we took when we programmed the Disney+ launch last year,” said Luke Bradley Jones, senior vice president, direct to consumer and general manager, Disney+ Emea.
“The mix of shows varies across the European markets depending on what rights deals we have in place as we launch, but the intent...
- 2/17/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Drama, comedy, sci-fi and documentary projects greenlit.
Disney+ has unveiled its first slate of 10 European originals, including drama, comedy, sci-fi and documentary projects from France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
It has greenlit projects from creators and producers including Juliette Howell, Stephen Butchard, Quoc Dang Tran and Jörg Winger, and includes the first titles for new entertainment brand Star, which will launch on the streaming platform on February 23.
The move follows the studio’s announcement in December that it would commission 50 productions in Europe by 2024. A UK title has yet to be revealed but Disney said it had “a raft...
Disney+ has unveiled its first slate of 10 European originals, including drama, comedy, sci-fi and documentary projects from France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
It has greenlit projects from creators and producers including Juliette Howell, Stephen Butchard, Quoc Dang Tran and Jörg Winger, and includes the first titles for new entertainment brand Star, which will launch on the streaming platform on February 23.
The move follows the studio’s announcement in December that it would commission 50 productions in Europe by 2024. A UK title has yet to be revealed but Disney said it had “a raft...
- 2/16/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Disney+’s European originals strategy is out of the launch bay after the Star Wars and Marvel streamer fired up the jetpack on a slate of 10 shows, including the first projects for international general entertainment brand Star.
Disney announced at its investor day last December that Disney+ will greenlight 50 international projects by 2024. The Mouse House is already a fifth of the way towards meeting this target as it looks to complement shows like The Mandalorian and WandaVision with thoroughbred local content for its 95 million subscribers in 58 territories.
Spearheaded by Diego Londono, Disney’s EVP of media networks and content in Emea, and Liam Keelan, VP of original content in the region, Disney+ has commissioned its first projects out of France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Deadline hears that a UK slate is also close to being announced, as Disney lavishes $16 billion on content over the next three years.
The...
Disney announced at its investor day last December that Disney+ will greenlight 50 international projects by 2024. The Mouse House is already a fifth of the way towards meeting this target as it looks to complement shows like The Mandalorian and WandaVision with thoroughbred local content for its 95 million subscribers in 58 territories.
Spearheaded by Diego Londono, Disney’s EVP of media networks and content in Emea, and Liam Keelan, VP of original content in the region, Disney+ has commissioned its first projects out of France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Deadline hears that a UK slate is also close to being announced, as Disney lavishes $16 billion on content over the next three years.
The...
- 2/16/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney+’s new international streaming service Star has commissioned a mafia series, penned by The Last Kingdom and Baghdad Central scribe Stephen Butchard and co-produced by two high-profile outfits in the UK and Italy.
Exclusively revealed by Deadline today, The Good Mothers forms part Disney+ and Star’s first European originals slate, and promises to tell the story of how Italian mob bosses were targeted by prosecutors through their wives and daughters.
The six-part series is made by Brexit: The Uncivil War producer House Productions and Wildside, the Fremantle-backed Italian producer behind HBO’s We Are Who We Are. It is based on a book of the same name by award-winning journalist Alex Perry.
The Good Mothers tells the true story of how three courageous women inside the notorious Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta mafia worked with newly-minted female prosecutor, Alessandra Cerreti, to bring down down the criminal empire.
Deadline hears that...
Exclusively revealed by Deadline today, The Good Mothers forms part Disney+ and Star’s first European originals slate, and promises to tell the story of how Italian mob bosses were targeted by prosecutors through their wives and daughters.
The six-part series is made by Brexit: The Uncivil War producer House Productions and Wildside, the Fremantle-backed Italian producer behind HBO’s We Are Who We Are. It is based on a book of the same name by award-winning journalist Alex Perry.
The Good Mothers tells the true story of how three courageous women inside the notorious Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta mafia worked with newly-minted female prosecutor, Alessandra Cerreti, to bring down down the criminal empire.
Deadline hears that...
- 2/16/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ is continuing its push into internationally-produced originals by hiring Channel 4 commissioner Sean Doyle to be its point-person for unscripted producers in Europe and Africa.
Doyle, the deputy head of features and formats at Britain’s Channel 4, will become Disney’s director of original production for unscripted general entertainment, with a particular focus on streamer Disney+. He will report to Liam Keelan, VP of original productions, Europe.
Doyle has been in his current role since September 2018. He was based in Northern Ireland and divided his time between Belfast and London, championing projects from producers outside of the UK capital.
Prior to joining Channel 4, he worked at ViacomCBS-owned broadcaster Channel 5 and the BBC. His commissioning credits include Channel 4’s Celebrity Snoop Dogs, from Sony-backed Stellify, and Channel 5’s reboot of Blind Date.
Deadline recently revealed one of Disney+’s latest UK-made originals in the shape of Growing Up Animal.
Doyle, the deputy head of features and formats at Britain’s Channel 4, will become Disney’s director of original production for unscripted general entertainment, with a particular focus on streamer Disney+. He will report to Liam Keelan, VP of original productions, Europe.
Doyle has been in his current role since September 2018. He was based in Northern Ireland and divided his time between Belfast and London, championing projects from producers outside of the UK capital.
Prior to joining Channel 4, he worked at ViacomCBS-owned broadcaster Channel 5 and the BBC. His commissioning credits include Channel 4’s Celebrity Snoop Dogs, from Sony-backed Stellify, and Channel 5’s reboot of Blind Date.
Deadline recently revealed one of Disney+’s latest UK-made originals in the shape of Growing Up Animal.
- 1/11/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Plus has hired Channel 4 executive Sean Doyle as part of its unscripted entertainment team, Variety has confirmed.
Doyle will serve as director of original production for unscripted general entertainment, leading on development and production of original unscripted entertainment for the Media Networks at Disney in Europe and Africa, focusing on Disney Plus and the general entertainment service.
Doyle — who is currently based between Belfast and Glasgow — will report into former BBC Studios scripted executive Liam Keelan, who serves as VP of original productions for Europe and joined the Mouse House last year.
Doyle has been a rising star in the unscripted arena for many years, making a significant mark at ViacomCBS-backed broadcaster Channel 5 before moving to Channel 4 in 2018. At Channel 5, Doyle was one of programming chief Ben Frow’s go-to commissioners, and responsible for a successful “Blind Date” reboot as well as “In Solitary: The Anti-Social Experiment” and “Celebrity In Solitary.
Doyle will serve as director of original production for unscripted general entertainment, leading on development and production of original unscripted entertainment for the Media Networks at Disney in Europe and Africa, focusing on Disney Plus and the general entertainment service.
Doyle — who is currently based between Belfast and Glasgow — will report into former BBC Studios scripted executive Liam Keelan, who serves as VP of original productions for Europe and joined the Mouse House last year.
Doyle has been a rising star in the unscripted arena for many years, making a significant mark at ViacomCBS-backed broadcaster Channel 5 before moving to Channel 4 in 2018. At Channel 5, Doyle was one of programming chief Ben Frow’s go-to commissioners, and responsible for a successful “Blind Date” reboot as well as “In Solitary: The Anti-Social Experiment” and “Celebrity In Solitary.
- 1/11/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Former BBC scripted content portfolio director Liam Keelan has joined the Mouse House.
The London-based exec will take on the newly created regional role of VP of original productions for television, where he is to oversee content for both channels and fledgling streaming service Disney+ in Europe and Africa.
Leading a team of development and production executives in the U.K. and across the region, he will be responsible for scripted, unscripted, factual entertainment and animated originals across the company’s various genres with a focus on general entertainment and family.
Original content will land on Fox, Disney Channel and Disney+. Keelan will report into Diego Londono, executive VP of media networks and content.
Keelan first joined BBC Studios (formerly BBC Worldwide) in 2013, but departed last March following a restructuring at the producer-distributor.
Keelan spent six years as Director of Scripted Content, BBC Worldwide. Prior to this, he was Global Editorial Director.
The London-based exec will take on the newly created regional role of VP of original productions for television, where he is to oversee content for both channels and fledgling streaming service Disney+ in Europe and Africa.
Leading a team of development and production executives in the U.K. and across the region, he will be responsible for scripted, unscripted, factual entertainment and animated originals across the company’s various genres with a focus on general entertainment and family.
Original content will land on Fox, Disney Channel and Disney+. Keelan will report into Diego Londono, executive VP of media networks and content.
Keelan first joined BBC Studios (formerly BBC Worldwide) in 2013, but departed last March following a restructuring at the producer-distributor.
Keelan spent six years as Director of Scripted Content, BBC Worldwide. Prior to this, he was Global Editorial Director.
- 2/14/2020
- by Valentina I. Valentini
- Variety Film + TV
Disney has hired former BBC exec Liam Keelan in a new original productions role across Europe and Africa.
Keelan, who left BBC Studios’ scripted division last year, has joined in the new role of vice president, original productions, television, Europe and Africa. He will oversee commissioning across its linear channels and upcoming streaming service Disney+.
The hire comes as Disney is set to launch Disney+ in UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland at the end of March. He is set to join next month and will report to Diego Londono, executive VP of media networks and content.
Keelan joined BBC Studios, then known as BBC Worldwide in 2013 and oversaw investment in scripted shows including Doctor Who and Luther.
Before that he was controller of daytime for BBC’s linear channels. Keelan’s hire was first reported by British trade magazine Broadcast.
Keelan, who left BBC Studios’ scripted division last year, has joined in the new role of vice president, original productions, television, Europe and Africa. He will oversee commissioning across its linear channels and upcoming streaming service Disney+.
The hire comes as Disney is set to launch Disney+ in UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland at the end of March. He is set to join next month and will report to Diego Londono, executive VP of media networks and content.
Keelan joined BBC Studios, then known as BBC Worldwide in 2013 and oversaw investment in scripted shows including Doctor Who and Luther.
Before that he was controller of daytime for BBC’s linear channels. Keelan’s hire was first reported by British trade magazine Broadcast.
- 2/14/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
UKTV’s Alibi Moves Into Original Drama With Crime Thriller ‘Traces’ From ‘Happy Valley’ Producer Red
UK broadcaster Alibi, which is operated by Discovery and BBC-backed UKTV, is moving into original commissioning for the first time with a Happy Valley-meets-Silent Witness-esque crime drama. Traces is produced by Happy Valley and Safe producer Red Production Company.
The drama is a six-part series written by Scott & Bailey and This Life writer Amelia Bullmore based on an original idea from crime writer Val McDermid, whose Hill/Jordan books were turned into hit crime drama Wire in the Blood.
It is the first original scripted drama for Alibi, which airs series such as Quantico and repeats of Luther. Red’s Nicola Shindler is exec producing.
Traces is set in Scotland and explores the world of Sifa, the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science. The drama follows female characters – Emma Hedges, Prof. Sarah Gordon and Prof. Kathy Torrance – who will use the rigors of forensics to uncover the...
The drama is a six-part series written by Scott & Bailey and This Life writer Amelia Bullmore based on an original idea from crime writer Val McDermid, whose Hill/Jordan books were turned into hit crime drama Wire in the Blood.
It is the first original scripted drama for Alibi, which airs series such as Quantico and repeats of Luther. Red’s Nicola Shindler is exec producing.
Traces is set in Scotland and explores the world of Sifa, the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science. The drama follows female characters – Emma Hedges, Prof. Sarah Gordon and Prof. Kathy Torrance – who will use the rigors of forensics to uncover the...
- 2/15/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios has shaken up its management team, with new roles for chief creative officer Mark Linsey and for drama and unscripted execs Liam Keelan and Mark Reynolds.
Linsey is taking on new responsibilities that will see him supervise BBC Studios’ linkups with producers, as well as the overarching content strategy and pipeline. From September, he will oversee the Content Partnerships Group at BBC Studios as part of his new role at the British pubcaster’s commercial and production arm.
Keelan and Reynolds get new titles: scripted portfolio director and unscripted portfolio director, respectively. Both report to Linsey. Their roles sit within the Content Partnerships team, and they will manage the relationships with producers in their respective genres.
BBC Studios said it would recruit another senior manager, with the title of new form portfolio director, who will lead on editorial strategy.
The restructure necessitates a new BBC Studios role which has yet to be filled,...
Linsey is taking on new responsibilities that will see him supervise BBC Studios’ linkups with producers, as well as the overarching content strategy and pipeline. From September, he will oversee the Content Partnerships Group at BBC Studios as part of his new role at the British pubcaster’s commercial and production arm.
Keelan and Reynolds get new titles: scripted portfolio director and unscripted portfolio director, respectively. Both report to Linsey. Their roles sit within the Content Partnerships team, and they will manage the relationships with producers in their respective genres.
BBC Studios said it would recruit another senior manager, with the title of new form portfolio director, who will lead on editorial strategy.
The restructure necessitates a new BBC Studios role which has yet to be filled,...
- 7/23/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios is searching for a new content chief after the British public broadcaster’s production unit handed Chief Creative Officer Mark Linsey a new role.
Linsey will take charge of its portfolio of production company relationships across the whole sector, managing partnerships with indies and BBC Studios Production. He will also oversee BBC Studios’ new Content Partnerships team, which is formed of Scripted Portfolio Director Liam Keelan, Unscripted Portfolio Director Mark Reynolds and a new exec who will lead editorial strategy for content and platforms.
The company will hire a new Director of Content, who will steer the editorial strategy for BBC Studios Production in the UK. The new exec will work closely alongside Anna Mallett, MD, Production, who will have overall accountability for BBC Studios Production’s Business and Operations, as well as International Production & Formats.
BBC Studios owns stakes in indies including Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle...
Linsey will take charge of its portfolio of production company relationships across the whole sector, managing partnerships with indies and BBC Studios Production. He will also oversee BBC Studios’ new Content Partnerships team, which is formed of Scripted Portfolio Director Liam Keelan, Unscripted Portfolio Director Mark Reynolds and a new exec who will lead editorial strategy for content and platforms.
The company will hire a new Director of Content, who will steer the editorial strategy for BBC Studios Production in the UK. The new exec will work closely alongside Anna Mallett, MD, Production, who will have overall accountability for BBC Studios Production’s Business and Operations, as well as International Production & Formats.
BBC Studios owns stakes in indies including Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle...
- 7/23/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios chief creative officer Mark Linsey is to expand his role at the BBC's commercial arm, taking charge of its portfolio of production relationships and heading up its content partnerships team.
As a result of the move, set to take place in September, Linsey will relinquish his responsibilities as BBC Studios' production lead, with a new director of content – specifically for the U.K. – set to be recruited.
Three new content partnership roles have also been unveiled, with Liam Keelan, currently director, scripted, taking on the role of scripted portfolio director; Mark Reynolds, currently ...
As a result of the move, set to take place in September, Linsey will relinquish his responsibilities as BBC Studios' production lead, with a new director of content – specifically for the U.K. – set to be recruited.
Three new content partnership roles have also been unveiled, with Liam Keelan, currently director, scripted, taking on the role of scripted portfolio director; Mark Reynolds, currently ...
- 7/23/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sky has announced the appointment of Adam MacDonald to the role of director of Sky1.
MacDonald replaces Stuart Murphy, who has been given an expanded role overseeing Sky's entertainment channels Sky1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, Challenge and Pick TV.
MacDonald, who is currently vice president of programming at A+E Networks UK, will assume the role later in 2013, which also includes the overseeing of Sky1+1 and Sky2.
"It is such an exciting time to be joining Sky1," MacDonald said.
"Sophie [Turner Laing - managing director of entertainment and news] has created a terrifically supportive and creative environment to work within and Stuart and his team of commissioners have been producing an exceptional slate of programmes over the last few years.
"It will be an honour to be working with them and together taking Sky1 to even greater heights."
Murphy added: "I am delighted that Adam has accepted the role of director, Sky1.
"He's an ideal appointment -...
MacDonald replaces Stuart Murphy, who has been given an expanded role overseeing Sky's entertainment channels Sky1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, Challenge and Pick TV.
MacDonald, who is currently vice president of programming at A+E Networks UK, will assume the role later in 2013, which also includes the overseeing of Sky1+1 and Sky2.
"It is such an exciting time to be joining Sky1," MacDonald said.
"Sophie [Turner Laing - managing director of entertainment and news] has created a terrifically supportive and creative environment to work within and Stuart and his team of commissioners have been producing an exceptional slate of programmes over the last few years.
"It will be an honour to be working with them and together taking Sky1 to even greater heights."
Murphy added: "I am delighted that Adam has accepted the role of director, Sky1.
"He's an ideal appointment -...
- 3/13/2013
- Digital Spy
Former BBC Daytime controller Liam Keelan was originally named dirctor of BSkyB‘s flagship Sky 1 HD back in December, but he later pulled out to move to BBC Worldwide. After opening up the search again, Sky has now named Adam MacDonald to oversee the channel. MacDonald joins from A+E Networks UK – a joint venture of A+E Networks and News Corp.-controlled BskyB – where he’s VP of programming. Former Sky 1 director Stuart Murphy has been bumped up to oversee Sky’s entertainment portfolio Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, Challenge and Pick TV. Sky 1 was named Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Awards in 2012 and overall, Sky has commited £600M ($975M) for UK content and production across all of its channels by 2014. Among upcoming projects, Sky Atlantic is co-producing The Tunnel and biopic Fleming; Sky Arts has the Playhouse Presents series in the pipeline with talent that includes Anna Friel,...
- 3/13/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Shooting is underway in Belfast on a modern reworking of the Charles Dickens classic novel for the BBC called ‘The Life and Adventures of Nick Nickleby' with a cast of mainly Northern Irish actors.
23 year old Andrew Simpson (represented by United Agents), best known for starring opposite Cate Blanchett in ‘Notes on a Scandal’, takes the lead role of Nick.
Produced by double BAFTA-winning production company Kindle Entertainment and directed by David Innes Edwards, the five-episode series will focus on lead character Nick, who investigates corruption in care homes for the elderly.
The Life and Adventures of Nick Nickleby has been updated to reflect concerns and questions about modern Britain, so Dickens’ exploration of corruption within private boarding schools is transposed to care-homes for the elderly. Just as Dickens did, the drama invites the audience to reflect on how the vulnerable suffer when the pursuit of profit is valued more than human kindness.
23 year old Andrew Simpson (represented by United Agents), best known for starring opposite Cate Blanchett in ‘Notes on a Scandal’, takes the lead role of Nick.
Produced by double BAFTA-winning production company Kindle Entertainment and directed by David Innes Edwards, the five-episode series will focus on lead character Nick, who investigates corruption in care homes for the elderly.
The Life and Adventures of Nick Nickleby has been updated to reflect concerns and questions about modern Britain, so Dickens’ exploration of corruption within private boarding schools is transposed to care-homes for the elderly. Just as Dickens did, the drama invites the audience to reflect on how the vulnerable suffer when the pursuit of profit is valued more than human kindness.
- 7/5/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
John Simm has been cast in the second series of Jimmy McGovern's Moving On. Last summer, the BBC announced that the daytime drama had been recommissioned for a second run. The former Doctor Who star will be joined in the new series by talent including Corin Redgrave, Anna Massey, Robert Glenister, Gerard Kearns, Ewen Bremner and Roy Marsden. BBC Controller of daytime Liam Keelan said: "It's very exciting to be able to announce the high-profile cast that are going to be appearing in the next series of Moving On and will be something for our viewers to look forward (more)...
- 1/21/2010
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
Jimmy McGovern's Moving On has been recommissioned for a second series, it has been announced. The new series of the daytime drama will run for a total of ten episodes, making it double the length of the first. The episodes will once again be written by a combination of new and established writers and be filmed on location in and around Liverpool. BBC One's Liam Keelan said of the recommission: "As the sole provider of originated drama in daytime, (more)...
- 7/31/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
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