BAFTA Unveils Special Award Winner & Host For 2024 Craft Gongs
UK mentoring organization Mama Youth Project is to win this year’s Special Award at the BAFTA Television Crafts, which has revealed Stacey Dooley as host. Founded by TV editing vet Bob Clarke in 2005 to make a career in TV and film more accessible to people from underrepresented backgrounds, the Mama Youth Project has helped more than 800 young people across the UK, and it says it has a 90% employment success rate. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, mentors, partners, and most importantly, the incredible young people who have entrusted us with their dreams,” said Clarke. Previous recipients of the award include veteran production head Alison Barnett and TripleC, a gateway organization for deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people to access the arts and media. The award will be presented during the BAFTA Television Craft Awards ceremony on Sunday 28 April,...
UK mentoring organization Mama Youth Project is to win this year’s Special Award at the BAFTA Television Crafts, which has revealed Stacey Dooley as host. Founded by TV editing vet Bob Clarke in 2005 to make a career in TV and film more accessible to people from underrepresented backgrounds, the Mama Youth Project has helped more than 800 young people across the UK, and it says it has a 90% employment success rate. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, mentors, partners, and most importantly, the incredible young people who have entrusted us with their dreams,” said Clarke. Previous recipients of the award include veteran production head Alison Barnett and TripleC, a gateway organization for deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people to access the arts and media. The award will be presented during the BAFTA Television Craft Awards ceremony on Sunday 28 April,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Hannah Abraham
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: SkyShowtime’s drama original Codename: Annika is taking its art crime sensibilities around the world.
In one of the few international distribution stories you’ll read this week not directly related to the London TV Screenings, Mediawan Rights has snapped up sales rights to the Swedish-Finnish series.
Mediawan will sell it outside of European streamer SkyShowtime’s footprint, which covers parts of mainland and Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, and second window rights within the operating territories.
Codename: Annika stars Sannah Nedergård as Emma Haka, a Finnish art crime investigator who infiltrates an auction in Stockholm during an undercover mission that proves to be more dangerous than expected. She is forced to assume a wild and fiery alias, Annika Stormare, and the lines between the two personalities begin to blur.
“We are proud to add this SkyShowtime Original Series to our distribution line-up, enriching Mediawan Rights’ catalogue and strengthening our international development strategy,...
In one of the few international distribution stories you’ll read this week not directly related to the London TV Screenings, Mediawan Rights has snapped up sales rights to the Swedish-Finnish series.
Mediawan will sell it outside of European streamer SkyShowtime’s footprint, which covers parts of mainland and Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, and second window rights within the operating territories.
Codename: Annika stars Sannah Nedergård as Emma Haka, a Finnish art crime investigator who infiltrates an auction in Stockholm during an undercover mission that proves to be more dangerous than expected. She is forced to assume a wild and fiery alias, Annika Stormare, and the lines between the two personalities begin to blur.
“We are proud to add this SkyShowtime Original Series to our distribution line-up, enriching Mediawan Rights’ catalogue and strengthening our international development strategy,...
- 2/27/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
European streamer SkyShowtime just unveiled the addition of an advertising tier in late April. The Standard with Ads plan will roll out across all of the more than 20 markets served by the joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global.
The news of the ad tier comes around a year after the streamer finished its launches across its European markets at the end of February 2023.
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan said the cheaper ad-supported service will ensure that the streamer provides consumers with “an even more affordable entertainment choice for the entire family.”
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Sarhan discussed SkyShowtime’s first full year, its original content strategy, recent distribution deals and, of course, the decision to debut an ad tier and what it means for the streamer.
SkyShowtime just unveiled that it will launch an advertising tier, a cheaper ad-supported service plan in April. How does that fit...
The news of the ad tier comes around a year after the streamer finished its launches across its European markets at the end of February 2023.
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan said the cheaper ad-supported service will ensure that the streamer provides consumers with “an even more affordable entertainment choice for the entire family.”
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Sarhan discussed SkyShowtime’s first full year, its original content strategy, recent distribution deals and, of course, the decision to debut an ad tier and what it means for the streamer.
SkyShowtime just unveiled that it will launch an advertising tier, a cheaper ad-supported service plan in April. How does that fit...
- 2/19/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The West London office of Comcast and Paramount Global’s joint venture Sky Showtime.
Following in the footsteps of other streaming services, Comcast and Paramount Global’s international joint venture Sky Showtime has announced plans for a lower-priced, ad-supported plan.
The new plan, called Standard with Ads, will launch on April 23 in nearly two dozen countries where Sky Showtime is currently offered, executives announced on Saturday.
“Sky Showtime has always been committed to offering great entertainment at a great price,” Monty Sarhan, the CEO of Sky Showtime, said in a statement. “Our Standard with Ads plan offers all of the same blockbuster entertainment in our Standard Plus plan at an attractive price. We are excited to bring more choice and great prices to consumers in all of our markets.”
The specific price of Sky Showtime Standard with Ads will vary depending on region. The countries where Sky Showtime’s ad-supported...
Following in the footsteps of other streaming services, Comcast and Paramount Global’s international joint venture Sky Showtime has announced plans for a lower-priced, ad-supported plan.
The new plan, called Standard with Ads, will launch on April 23 in nearly two dozen countries where Sky Showtime is currently offered, executives announced on Saturday.
“Sky Showtime has always been committed to offering great entertainment at a great price,” Monty Sarhan, the CEO of Sky Showtime, said in a statement. “Our Standard with Ads plan offers all of the same blockbuster entertainment in our Standard Plus plan at an attractive price. We are excited to bring more choice and great prices to consumers in all of our markets.”
The specific price of Sky Showtime Standard with Ads will vary depending on region. The countries where Sky Showtime’s ad-supported...
- 2/17/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, will introduce an advertising-supported tier in April. The new Standard with Ads plan will be offered alongside its existing ad-free tier, which will be renamed Standard Plus.
The ad-supported service plan will be available from April 23 and roll out across all of SkyShowtime’s more than 20 markets, including in Eastern and Central Europe, the Nordics, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Pricing will vary per market. For example, the ad tier will cost €4.99 ($5.37) in Spain, with the price of the ad-free service rising from €5.99 to €7.99 ($8.60); the annual subscription prices will be €39.99 with ads and €62.99 without. In the Netherlands, the ad tier will be available for €5.99 ($6.45), with the ad-free service price rising from €6.99 to €8.99 ($9.68).
The ad tier will feature “all of SkyShowtime’s blockbuster movies, new and exclusive series, and local original programming at a great price,” the company said. And...
The ad-supported service plan will be available from April 23 and roll out across all of SkyShowtime’s more than 20 markets, including in Eastern and Central Europe, the Nordics, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Pricing will vary per market. For example, the ad tier will cost €4.99 ($5.37) in Spain, with the price of the ad-free service rising from €5.99 to €7.99 ($8.60); the annual subscription prices will be €39.99 with ads and €62.99 without. In the Netherlands, the ad tier will be available for €5.99 ($6.45), with the ad-free service price rising from €6.99 to €8.99 ($9.68).
The ad tier will feature “all of SkyShowtime’s blockbuster movies, new and exclusive series, and local original programming at a great price,” the company said. And...
- 2/16/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In two new landmark, multi-year deals for Spain’s top pay TV operator, Movistar Plus+ has inked partnership carriage deals with Warner Bros. Discovery and SkyShowtime. Both agreements were announced Friday.
Extending its partnership, the Wbd deal takes in current linear networks on Movistar Plus+ – Warner TV, TCM, Discovery Channel, Eurosport and CNN – plus premier Warner Bros. entertainment from Jan. 1 such as “Barbie,” “Meg 2,” “The Nun 2,” “Friends, “The Big “Bang Theory,” “Mrs Davis” and “The Winchester,” plus Max, scheduled to launch in Spain in Spring 2024.
SkyShowtime launched in February 2023 in Spain. The Movistar Plus+ pact marks SkyShowtime’s first deal with a Spanish operator.
No financial details have been given of either deal.
Crucially, in a move from aggregation to integration mirroring Apple TV+’s deal with France’s Canal Plus Group, both Max and SkyShowtime will form a seamless part of Movistar Plus+’s main navigation system and on-demand service,...
Extending its partnership, the Wbd deal takes in current linear networks on Movistar Plus+ – Warner TV, TCM, Discovery Channel, Eurosport and CNN – plus premier Warner Bros. entertainment from Jan. 1 such as “Barbie,” “Meg 2,” “The Nun 2,” “Friends, “The Big “Bang Theory,” “Mrs Davis” and “The Winchester,” plus Max, scheduled to launch in Spain in Spring 2024.
SkyShowtime launched in February 2023 in Spain. The Movistar Plus+ pact marks SkyShowtime’s first deal with a Spanish operator.
No financial details have been given of either deal.
Crucially, in a move from aggregation to integration mirroring Apple TV+’s deal with France’s Canal Plus Group, both Max and SkyShowtime will form a seamless part of Movistar Plus+’s main navigation system and on-demand service,...
- 12/15/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Movistar Plus+ has struck deals for the Max and SkyShowtime streamers in Spain.
On the former, Movistar and Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) have extended their partnership to bring content from Wbd’s portfolio of entertainment, sports, films and news to Movistar Plus+ customers, which includes combined streamer Max – launching in Spain in Spring 2024 along with 21 other European countries.
As part of the deal, Movistar+ Plus will remain home to Wbd’s linear networks Warner TV, TCM, Discovery Channel, Eurosport, and CNN. From January 1, customers will also have access on select Movistar’s services.
“Spain represents one of the key territories for Wbd and the partnership with an operator like Movistar is a crucial factor for the continued solid and steady growth of our streaming business internationally,” said Alessandro Araimo, Managing Director, Wbd, Southern Europe.
The Nordics, the Netherlands, Iberia and Cee, which already have HBO Max, will gain access to...
On the former, Movistar and Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) have extended their partnership to bring content from Wbd’s portfolio of entertainment, sports, films and news to Movistar Plus+ customers, which includes combined streamer Max – launching in Spain in Spring 2024 along with 21 other European countries.
As part of the deal, Movistar+ Plus will remain home to Wbd’s linear networks Warner TV, TCM, Discovery Channel, Eurosport, and CNN. From January 1, customers will also have access on select Movistar’s services.
“Spain represents one of the key territories for Wbd and the partnership with an operator like Movistar is a crucial factor for the continued solid and steady growth of our streaming business internationally,” said Alessandro Araimo, Managing Director, Wbd, Southern Europe.
The Nordics, the Netherlands, Iberia and Cee, which already have HBO Max, will gain access to...
- 12/15/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, has named Mark Neil chief financial officer (CFO), with current CFO Francesca Pierce taking on the newly created role of chief administration officer, the company said on Tuesday.
Neil will begin his role in January and join from A+E Networks Emea, where he has served as CFO. Based in London, he will report to SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan.
“The announcement follows current CFO Francesca Pierce’s appointment as SkyShowtime’s first chief administration officer,” the company said. “She will continue to report to Sarhan and will begin this new role in January once Neil formally joins as CFO.”
SkyShowtime recently also appointed former Netflix executive Kai Finke as chief content officer.
Neil has led the finance function at A+E Networks Emea for seven years. “As CFO, he regularly interfaced with A+E Networks’ U.K. board of directors which,...
Neil will begin his role in January and join from A+E Networks Emea, where he has served as CFO. Based in London, he will report to SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan.
“The announcement follows current CFO Francesca Pierce’s appointment as SkyShowtime’s first chief administration officer,” the company said. “She will continue to report to Sarhan and will begin this new role in January once Neil formally joins as CFO.”
SkyShowtime recently also appointed former Netflix executive Kai Finke as chief content officer.
Neil has led the finance function at A+E Networks Emea for seven years. “As CFO, he regularly interfaced with A+E Networks’ U.K. board of directors which,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie,’ ‘Poker Face’ Among Titles Coming to SkyShowtime This Fall (Exclusive)
SkyShowtime, the European streaming home to releases from Paramount and Universal, has revealed its upcoming film and TV slate through the rest of the year, including “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Poker Face.”
Just one year since the streaming service’s launch in the Nordics and six months since its rollout in 20 more European markets, SkyShowtime is on track to have 50% of this year’s box office on the platform.
“Less than a year since our launch, SkyShowtime boasts an impressive line-up of amazing content,” SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan said in a statement. “From the latest Hollywood hits and exclusive global series to our local originals, SkyShowtime offers subscribers across Europe an incredible selection of the world’s best entertainment. And with even more spectacular content to come in 2024, SkyShowtime will continue to deliver great entertainment at a great price.”
SkyShowtime is currently available in Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina,...
Just one year since the streaming service’s launch in the Nordics and six months since its rollout in 20 more European markets, SkyShowtime is on track to have 50% of this year’s box office on the platform.
“Less than a year since our launch, SkyShowtime boasts an impressive line-up of amazing content,” SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan said in a statement. “From the latest Hollywood hits and exclusive global series to our local originals, SkyShowtime offers subscribers across Europe an incredible selection of the world’s best entertainment. And with even more spectacular content to come in 2024, SkyShowtime will continue to deliver great entertainment at a great price.”
SkyShowtime is currently available in Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina,...
- 9/13/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Head of programming’s shoes to be filled by former Netflix exec Kai Finke.
Former Netflix buyer Kai Finke has landed a senior role at burgeoning European streamer SkyShowtime, with programming chief Jon Farrar set to depart.
Finke, who left Netflix earlier this year, has been appointed chief content officer at the Comcast-Paramount joint venture SVoD platform.
He takes up the role after Farrar, who was appointed head of programming last year, decided to leave following a transition over the coming months.
Finke will oversee the nascent streamer’s content operations as it begins to branch out into original programming,...
Former Netflix buyer Kai Finke has landed a senior role at burgeoning European streamer SkyShowtime, with programming chief Jon Farrar set to depart.
Finke, who left Netflix earlier this year, has been appointed chief content officer at the Comcast-Paramount joint venture SVoD platform.
He takes up the role after Farrar, who was appointed head of programming last year, decided to leave following a transition over the coming months.
Finke will oversee the nascent streamer’s content operations as it begins to branch out into original programming,...
- 9/11/2023
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Market
Mia, the international market held annually in Rome, has announced the first confirmed speakers for its ninth edition.
This year, speakers at the industry event — which focuses on co-production, financing strategies and sales and distribution — include Nicole Clemens, president of Paramount of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ original scripted series; Sara Bernstein, president of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries; Marge Dean, head of Skybound Entertainment’s animation studio and president of Women in Animation; “Waltz With Bashir” director Ari Folman; Nicholas Weinstock, founder and president of Invention Studios and “Severance” producer; and James Townley, chief content officer of development at Banijay.
Clemens’ upcoming productions at Paramount include Taika Waititi’s “Time Bandits” and Billy Crystal’s “Before” as well as “Cross” starring Aldis Hodge. Bernstein will give a keynote on her career, focusing on recent Imagine productions including “Judy Blume Forever” and “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming With Dave Letterman...
Mia, the international market held annually in Rome, has announced the first confirmed speakers for its ninth edition.
This year, speakers at the industry event — which focuses on co-production, financing strategies and sales and distribution — include Nicole Clemens, president of Paramount of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ original scripted series; Sara Bernstein, president of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries; Marge Dean, head of Skybound Entertainment’s animation studio and president of Women in Animation; “Waltz With Bashir” director Ari Folman; Nicholas Weinstock, founder and president of Invention Studios and “Severance” producer; and James Townley, chief content officer of development at Banijay.
Clemens’ upcoming productions at Paramount include Taika Waititi’s “Time Bandits” and Billy Crystal’s “Before” as well as “Cross” starring Aldis Hodge. Bernstein will give a keynote on her career, focusing on recent Imagine productions including “Judy Blume Forever” and “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming With Dave Letterman...
- 9/11/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Sky owner Comcast and Showtime owner Paramount Global, has appointed former Netflix executive Kai Finke as chief content officer, CEO Monty Sarhan unveiled on Monday.
Based in Amsterdam and reporting to Sarhan, Finke will lead the programming team, overseeing “the vast and growing scope of the department, following SkyShowtime’s entry into original programming this year,” the company said. He will be responsible for the streamer’s pipeline of partner studio entertainment, merchandising and scheduling, as well as its original programming slate and acquisitions.
Jon Farrar, a former BBC Studios executive who has served as head of programming at SkyShowtime, has decided to leave his role following a transition over the coming months, the company said.
At Netflix, Finke most recently served as a director of content across multiple European markets. He has worked in production, international distribution and acquisitions for more than 20 years,...
Based in Amsterdam and reporting to Sarhan, Finke will lead the programming team, overseeing “the vast and growing scope of the department, following SkyShowtime’s entry into original programming this year,” the company said. He will be responsible for the streamer’s pipeline of partner studio entertainment, merchandising and scheduling, as well as its original programming slate and acquisitions.
Jon Farrar, a former BBC Studios executive who has served as head of programming at SkyShowtime, has decided to leave his role following a transition over the coming months, the company said.
At Netflix, Finke most recently served as a director of content across multiple European markets. He has worked in production, international distribution and acquisitions for more than 20 years,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Codename: Annika’: SkyShowtime Unveils Cast & Trailer
SkyShowtime has unveiled cast and trailer for Codename: Annika, one of the fledgling Paramount/Comcast Jv’s biggest originals to date. The series follows a Finnish detective, Emma Haka, played by Sannah Nedergård (Yellow Sulphur Sky), who is still completing her undercover training when she gets sent on a mission into Stockholm’s corrupt world of fine art trade. Unveiled at the Stockholm International Film Festival, Codename from Mia Ylönen and Aleksi Bardy will star the likes of Ardalan Esmaili (Easy Money) as Rasmus Ståhlgren, Eva Melander (Border) as Rina Olander and Helena Bergström (House of Angels) as Agatha Torstensson, along with Pekka Strang (Tom of Finland) as Raimo Korpi, Clarisse Lhoni-Botte (Rolling to You) as Béatrice Joly and Charles Martins (Emily in Paris) as Denver Carpentier. Show will launch next month on the streaming service that is available in territories in which...
SkyShowtime has unveiled cast and trailer for Codename: Annika, one of the fledgling Paramount/Comcast Jv’s biggest originals to date. The series follows a Finnish detective, Emma Haka, played by Sannah Nedergård (Yellow Sulphur Sky), who is still completing her undercover training when she gets sent on a mission into Stockholm’s corrupt world of fine art trade. Unveiled at the Stockholm International Film Festival, Codename from Mia Ylönen and Aleksi Bardy will star the likes of Ardalan Esmaili (Easy Money) as Rasmus Ståhlgren, Eva Melander (Border) as Rina Olander and Helena Bergström (House of Angels) as Agatha Torstensson, along with Pekka Strang (Tom of Finland) as Raimo Korpi, Clarisse Lhoni-Botte (Rolling to You) as Béatrice Joly and Charles Martins (Emily in Paris) as Denver Carpentier. Show will launch next month on the streaming service that is available in territories in which...
- 8/16/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global has unveiled a teaser trailer for six-part original crime drama series Codename: Annika at the Stockholm International Film Festival outdoor cinema, Sommarbio.
The Finnish-Swedish production, which originally had the working title ID, was part of a deal that the streamer struck early this year with Warner Bros. Discovery for exclusive rights across all of Europe to 21 HBO Max European originals. Codename: Annika will launch on SkyShowtime in September.
Created by Mia Ylönen and Aleksi Bardy of production company Helsinki-Filmi (Tove, Ladies of Steel, Tom of Finland, Heart of a Lion, Lapland Odyssey) and directed by Finnish director Aj Annila (Peacemaker), the show promises to take audiences behind the scenes of the world of high-class art fraud, while also exploring “the reality of navigating a double identity.”
The series stars Sannah Nedergård (Yellow Sulphur Sky) as Finnish art fraud investigator Emma/Annika.
The Finnish-Swedish production, which originally had the working title ID, was part of a deal that the streamer struck early this year with Warner Bros. Discovery for exclusive rights across all of Europe to 21 HBO Max European originals. Codename: Annika will launch on SkyShowtime in September.
Created by Mia Ylönen and Aleksi Bardy of production company Helsinki-Filmi (Tove, Ladies of Steel, Tom of Finland, Heart of a Lion, Lapland Odyssey) and directed by Finnish director Aj Annila (Peacemaker), the show promises to take audiences behind the scenes of the world of high-class art fraud, while also exploring “the reality of navigating a double identity.”
The series stars Sannah Nedergård (Yellow Sulphur Sky) as Finnish art fraud investigator Emma/Annika.
- 8/16/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Idris Elba, Olivia Colman, Woody Harrelson Lead King Charles III Environmental Short
Idris Elba, Olivia Colman, Woody Harrelson and Glenn Close have featured in a short film launching King Charles III’s Re:tv YouTube channel. The stars make up four of 19 actors and environnentalists who revisit lines from the King’s most inspiring speeches over the last 50 years in The Speeches: 50 Years of Speaking Up For the Planet. Produced by The Real Mo Farah indie Atomized Studios, today’s short film was filmed across the UK. The film marks the launch of the King’s Re: TV YouTube channel. He started Re: TV in 2020 when he was still Prince to showcase sustainable solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis, and the platform has made more than 100 films, generating more than 10 million views via its website, social channels and partnerships with the likes of Bloomberg and Waterbear, according to Re:tv. The...
Idris Elba, Olivia Colman, Woody Harrelson and Glenn Close have featured in a short film launching King Charles III’s Re:tv YouTube channel. The stars make up four of 19 actors and environnentalists who revisit lines from the King’s most inspiring speeches over the last 50 years in The Speeches: 50 Years of Speaking Up For the Planet. Produced by The Real Mo Farah indie Atomized Studios, today’s short film was filmed across the UK. The film marks the launch of the King’s Re: TV YouTube channel. He started Re: TV in 2020 when he was still Prince to showcase sustainable solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis, and the platform has made more than 100 films, generating more than 10 million views via its website, social channels and partnerships with the likes of Bloomberg and Waterbear, according to Re:tv. The...
- 6/26/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Sky owner Comcast and Showtime owner Paramount Global, has named former Disney executive Hristina Georgieva to the role of chief business officer, starting later this year.
Reporting to CEO Monty Sarhan, Georgieva will be based in London and serve as the company’s lead on distribution issues and partnerships and have responsibility for all business-to-business revenue. She will “oversee and lead new business development and partnerships with cable, satellite, and telco distributors, as well as platforms, device manufacturers, and other partners, including retailers as well as consumer products and services,” the firm said.
Georgieva previously worked as vp affiliate distribution and commercial development at Disney for four years and was part of the team that launched Disney+ across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, including negotiating its first deals with distribution partners, including in many of SkyShowtime’s more than 20 territories.
Prior to Disney,...
Reporting to CEO Monty Sarhan, Georgieva will be based in London and serve as the company’s lead on distribution issues and partnerships and have responsibility for all business-to-business revenue. She will “oversee and lead new business development and partnerships with cable, satellite, and telco distributors, as well as platforms, device manufacturers, and other partners, including retailers as well as consumer products and services,” the firm said.
Georgieva previously worked as vp affiliate distribution and commercial development at Disney for four years and was part of the team that launched Disney+ across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, including negotiating its first deals with distribution partners, including in many of SkyShowtime’s more than 20 territories.
Prior to Disney,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Keshet International (Ki) has racked up several deals for scripted formats and finished tape in the Central and Eastern Europe region.
Ki has sold the format rights for Duo Productions’ 8 x 60’ relationship thriller “Too Much Love” (“L’homme qui aimait trop”) to Slovakian free-to-air broadcaster TV Joj. Originally created by Canadian writing duo Michel d’Astous and Anne Boyer (“Taboo”) for Bell Media’s Quebecois streamer Noovo, the Slovakian adaptation will be produced by Piknik Pictures (“Traffic Light”). Currently in pre-production, with casting in progress, shooting will commence later this year ahead of a 2024 premiere on TV Joj.
Kelly Wright, Ki’s MD of distribution, described the show as “something of a conversation starter because of the anti-hero’s controversial lifestyle choices,” with Marcel Grega, CEO of TV Joj adding that the show “is the perfect example of a modern drama that opens subjects that are considered taboo.”
Ki’s sales manager...
Ki has sold the format rights for Duo Productions’ 8 x 60’ relationship thriller “Too Much Love” (“L’homme qui aimait trop”) to Slovakian free-to-air broadcaster TV Joj. Originally created by Canadian writing duo Michel d’Astous and Anne Boyer (“Taboo”) for Bell Media’s Quebecois streamer Noovo, the Slovakian adaptation will be produced by Piknik Pictures (“Traffic Light”). Currently in pre-production, with casting in progress, shooting will commence later this year ahead of a 2024 premiere on TV Joj.
Kelly Wright, Ki’s MD of distribution, described the show as “something of a conversation starter because of the anti-hero’s controversial lifestyle choices,” with Marcel Grega, CEO of TV Joj adding that the show “is the perfect example of a modern drama that opens subjects that are considered taboo.”
Ki’s sales manager...
- 6/26/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart in the hotseat helming the only international TV and film newsletter you need to read this week. Scroll on. Sign up here.
Nordic & Cee Deep Dive
Rapid deterioration: Deadline’s in-depth analysis of the Danish TV market last week preceded one of the biggest shocks in the Scandi industry for decades. In the early hours of Monday morning, the region’s streaming powerhouse Viaplay issued a trading update signaling the immediate resignation of CEO Anders Jensen and the scorching of the group’s long-term financial guidance amidst rapid deterioration in the ad market and subscriber churn. Viaplay has been growing aggressively in recent years, greenlighting one original per week such as the high-profile Ronja the Robber’s Daughter adaptation (pictured), snapping up sports rights, and launching in key territories including the U.S., but it appears the growth has been a smidgeon too fast and stock has been tumbling.
Nordic & Cee Deep Dive
Rapid deterioration: Deadline’s in-depth analysis of the Danish TV market last week preceded one of the biggest shocks in the Scandi industry for decades. In the early hours of Monday morning, the region’s streaming powerhouse Viaplay issued a trading update signaling the immediate resignation of CEO Anders Jensen and the scorching of the group’s long-term financial guidance amidst rapid deterioration in the ad market and subscriber churn. Viaplay has been growing aggressively in recent years, greenlighting one original per week such as the high-profile Ronja the Robber’s Daughter adaptation (pictured), snapping up sports rights, and launching in key territories including the U.S., but it appears the growth has been a smidgeon too fast and stock has been tumbling.
- 6/9/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“We are sending a message that our content doesn’t have to cost a fortune to watch,” said the CEO of fledgling streamer SkyShowtime, who said there could be more bundling in the future.
Monty Sarhan took the reins of the Comcast/Paramount Global Jv last year and has since overseen the hiring of 180 staff across seven offices, a rollout to more than 20 European territories in which Comcast’s Peacock and Now TV, and Paramount+ aren’t present, and the commissioning of a number of original series.
Speaking to Deadline before a Nem keynote in Dubrovnik, he said SkyShowtime’s pricing structure had been forged in response to “double digit inflation, a cost-of-living crisis and with war raging in Ukraine.”
Monty Sarhan: “One of the important ways we can create value is by bundling”. Image: Nem
“We are leaning into a consumer value proposition that puts consumers at the forefront,...
Monty Sarhan took the reins of the Comcast/Paramount Global Jv last year and has since overseen the hiring of 180 staff across seven offices, a rollout to more than 20 European territories in which Comcast’s Peacock and Now TV, and Paramount+ aren’t present, and the commissioning of a number of original series.
Speaking to Deadline before a Nem keynote in Dubrovnik, he said SkyShowtime’s pricing structure had been forged in response to “double digit inflation, a cost-of-living crisis and with war raging in Ukraine.”
Monty Sarhan: “One of the important ways we can create value is by bundling”. Image: Nem
“We are leaning into a consumer value proposition that puts consumers at the forefront,...
- 6/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Heading into its tenth edition next month, Nem Dubrovnik 2023 looks set to be its biggest event yet. Taking place from June 5-8 at the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, the annual TV market will feature 11 keynote speakers as part of the program this year. They include: All3Media International CEO Louise Pedersen; SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan; Sony Pictures Television’s EVP of Distribution and Networks Emea Mark Young; and United Group CEO Victoriya Boklag.
Further keynote speakers are: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Jamie Cooke; Cosmote TV exec director Dimitris Michalakis; Viaplay Group’s Vanda Rapti; Big Light Productions CEO Frank Spotnitz; Cme CEO Dušan Švalek; Movistar Plus+’s Maria Valenzuela; and Beta Film MD Moritz von Kruedener. Execs from Lionsgate, Mediawan Rights and BBC Studios are also set to be in attendance.
The opening session will be a tribute to 10 years of the Nem brand, where Sanja Božić-Ljubičić, founder and CEO, will moderate...
Further keynote speakers are: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Jamie Cooke; Cosmote TV exec director Dimitris Michalakis; Viaplay Group’s Vanda Rapti; Big Light Productions CEO Frank Spotnitz; Cme CEO Dušan Švalek; Movistar Plus+’s Maria Valenzuela; and Beta Film MD Moritz von Kruedener. Execs from Lionsgate, Mediawan Rights and BBC Studios are also set to be in attendance.
The opening session will be a tribute to 10 years of the Nem brand, where Sanja Božić-Ljubičić, founder and CEO, will moderate...
- 5/25/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, on Sunday unveiled a slate of original and exclusive series that will be premiering on the service later this year and in 2024.
CEO Monty Sarhan announced during a keynote appearance at the Marché du Film in Cannes that overall a total of 10 SkyShowtime originals from different regions and countries would premiere on the service in 2023. Among them are shows from its three regions of the Nordics, Iberia and Central and Eastern Europe. The streamer, which serves a total of 22 markets, described that as “a staggering and nearly unheard of accomplishment for a service that is less than one year old.”
Among others, SkyShowtime will later this year debut Codename: Annika, its first original from the Nordics. The Finnish-Swedish production, which previously had the working title ID, was part of a deal the streamer struck early this year with Warner Bros. Discovery...
CEO Monty Sarhan announced during a keynote appearance at the Marché du Film in Cannes that overall a total of 10 SkyShowtime originals from different regions and countries would premiere on the service in 2023. Among them are shows from its three regions of the Nordics, Iberia and Central and Eastern Europe. The streamer, which serves a total of 22 markets, described that as “a staggering and nearly unheard of accomplishment for a service that is less than one year old.”
Among others, SkyShowtime will later this year debut Codename: Annika, its first original from the Nordics. The Finnish-Swedish production, which previously had the working title ID, was part of a deal the streamer struck early this year with Warner Bros. Discovery...
- 5/21/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan led a market keynote at Cannes this afternoon, during which he shared the streamer’s forthcoming slate, including a series of original European-produced shows set to hit the streamer this year and into 2024.
The announced productions span Europe. In the Nordics, the streamer will debut Codename: Annika, its first original in the region. The Finnish-Swedish production, previously titled ID, is a crime-drama series that revolves around Finnish art-fraud investigator Emma, who goes undercover to infiltrate an auction house in Stockholm in order to investigate the firm’s connection to a notorious money launderer known as Blanko. The series will be available to stream later this year.
The Spanish SkyShowtime series Las Invisibles (The Invisible Ladies) will premiere in Spain on 5 June. Starring Lolita Flores, Maria Pujalte, Yoshira Escárrega, Paula del Río, Paula Mirá, Yaël Belicha, and Elena Irureta, the series follows what is billed as a...
The announced productions span Europe. In the Nordics, the streamer will debut Codename: Annika, its first original in the region. The Finnish-Swedish production, previously titled ID, is a crime-drama series that revolves around Finnish art-fraud investigator Emma, who goes undercover to infiltrate an auction house in Stockholm in order to investigate the firm’s connection to a notorious money launderer known as Blanko. The series will be available to stream later this year.
The Spanish SkyShowtime series Las Invisibles (The Invisible Ladies) will premiere in Spain on 5 June. Starring Lolita Flores, Maria Pujalte, Yoshira Escárrega, Paula del Río, Paula Mirá, Yaël Belicha, and Elena Irureta, the series follows what is billed as a...
- 5/21/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, embarked on its biggest expansion to dat Tuesday via its launch in eight new markets across Central and Eastern Europe and said it would complete its rollout Feb. 28 with debuts in Andorra and Spain.
“In the space of just five months, SkyShowtime has launched in over 20 markets across Europe,” said SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan. “I’m extremely proud of the entire team who have worked so hard to make this a reality. We are dedicated to these markets and excited to bring new customers the entertainment they love at a price they will love. From the latest series and blockbuster movies from our iconic and world-renowned studios to original programming, SkyShowtime is the next great streaming service for Europe.”
The streamer on Tuesday became available in Albania, Czechia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, bringing its reach to 20 of its 22 targeted markets.
“In the space of just five months, SkyShowtime has launched in over 20 markets across Europe,” said SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan. “I’m extremely proud of the entire team who have worked so hard to make this a reality. We are dedicated to these markets and excited to bring new customers the entertainment they love at a price they will love. From the latest series and blockbuster movies from our iconic and world-renowned studios to original programming, SkyShowtime is the next great streaming service for Europe.”
The streamer on Tuesday became available in Albania, Czechia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, bringing its reach to 20 of its 22 targeted markets.
- 2/14/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SkyShowtime will complete its European roll-out this month with two remaining launches in Spain and Andorra, Variety can reveal.
The two markets, which will launch on Feb. 28, take SkyShowtime’s footprint to over 20 markets and completes its European configuration, allowing the platform to now focus on building out a premium content offering that will help it compete with Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ in Europe.
The service is also establishing itself amid a turbulent time for one of its namesake brands. Paramount Global revealed earlier this month that legacy brand Showtime will be renamed as “Paramount+ With Showtime” in a bid to integrate streaming service Paramount+ across both linear and streaming platforms. Showtime co-presidents Gary Levine and Jana Winograde are also exiting their current posts amid the shake-up at the pay-tv channel.
But don’t expect the Showtime brand to disappear from the European streaming service anytime soon. SkyShowtime CEO...
The two markets, which will launch on Feb. 28, take SkyShowtime’s footprint to over 20 markets and completes its European configuration, allowing the platform to now focus on building out a premium content offering that will help it compete with Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ in Europe.
The service is also establishing itself amid a turbulent time for one of its namesake brands. Paramount Global revealed earlier this month that legacy brand Showtime will be renamed as “Paramount+ With Showtime” in a bid to integrate streaming service Paramount+ across both linear and streaming platforms. Showtime co-presidents Gary Levine and Jana Winograde are also exiting their current posts amid the shake-up at the pay-tv channel.
But don’t expect the Showtime brand to disappear from the European streaming service anytime soon. SkyShowtime CEO...
- 2/14/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, will continue its rollout with its biggest expansion to date via its launch in eight new markets across Central and Eastern Europe on Feb. 14.
The streamer said on Tuesday that it would debut on that day in Albania, Czechia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. This will bring its reach to 20 of its 22 targeted markets.
“Customers across these launch markets will have access to exclusive television premieres of first-run theatrical films from Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures, new and exclusive scripted series, kids and family content and a selection of iconic library titles and box sets from Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount+, Showtime, Sky Studios and Peacock – all streaming in one place,” the company said.” SkyShowtime will also feature local original programming, documentaries and specials from its markets. The company recently announced a deal acquiring 21 original series from HBO Max in Europe,...
The streamer said on Tuesday that it would debut on that day in Albania, Czechia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. This will bring its reach to 20 of its 22 targeted markets.
“Customers across these launch markets will have access to exclusive television premieres of first-run theatrical films from Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures, new and exclusive scripted series, kids and family content and a selection of iconic library titles and box sets from Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount+, Showtime, Sky Studios and Peacock – all streaming in one place,” the company said.” SkyShowtime will also feature local original programming, documentaries and specials from its markets. The company recently announced a deal acquiring 21 original series from HBO Max in Europe,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Europe-focused streamer SkyShowtime has acquired exclusive European rights for 21 local series from Warner Bros. Discovery, including some of HBO Max’s shows from the region, following a competitive process.
The deal gives SkyShowtime 168 episodes, or over 150 hours, of new and previously aired original programming. Financial terms were not disclosed.
New shows as part of the deal, which will be branded as SkyShowtime Originals, include “ID” (Finland and Sweden), “The Winner” (Czechia and Slovakia) and “Warszawianka” (Poland). SkyShowtime will also premiere the second season of “Por H o Por B,” (Spain), the first season of which will also be on the service.
Other shows that recently premiered on HBO Max and are now moving to SkyShowtime include “Beartown” (Sweden), “Beforeigners” (Norway), “Kamikaze” (Denmark), “Lust” (Sweden) and “The Informant” (Hungary). SkyShowtime will have the option to acquire worldwide rights on any renewed shows as well as the option to order new seasons for several shows.
The deal gives SkyShowtime 168 episodes, or over 150 hours, of new and previously aired original programming. Financial terms were not disclosed.
New shows as part of the deal, which will be branded as SkyShowtime Originals, include “ID” (Finland and Sweden), “The Winner” (Czechia and Slovakia) and “Warszawianka” (Poland). SkyShowtime will also premiere the second season of “Por H o Por B,” (Spain), the first season of which will also be on the service.
Other shows that recently premiered on HBO Max and are now moving to SkyShowtime include “Beartown” (Sweden), “Beforeigners” (Norway), “Kamikaze” (Denmark), “Lust” (Sweden) and “The Informant” (Hungary). SkyShowtime will have the option to acquire worldwide rights on any renewed shows as well as the option to order new seasons for several shows.
- 1/10/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
SkyShowtime has struck its first major content deal, picking up exclusive rights to 21 HBO Max Europe originals.
The move from the Comcast/Paramount Jv comes after HBO Max pulled commissioning from the majority of European territories and removed originals from its platform, which left numerous scripted shows up for grabs. Following Warner Bros and Discovery’s merger, the window for HBO to benefit from this content has now passed, although the newly-merged Wbd has stressed it remains committed to European content.
SkyShowtime, which launched recently in 12 markets in which Paramount+ and Comcast-owned Peacock aren’t active, has picked up critically-acclaimed shows including Norway’s Beforeigners, Sweden’s Lust and Denmark’s Kamikaze.
Shows that were yet to air include Finland and Sweden’s ID, Czechia and Slovakia’s The Winner and Poland’s Warszawjanka.
All in all, SkyShowtime has picked up 168 episodes of original scripted, a big boost to a...
The move from the Comcast/Paramount Jv comes after HBO Max pulled commissioning from the majority of European territories and removed originals from its platform, which left numerous scripted shows up for grabs. Following Warner Bros and Discovery’s merger, the window for HBO to benefit from this content has now passed, although the newly-merged Wbd has stressed it remains committed to European content.
SkyShowtime, which launched recently in 12 markets in which Paramount+ and Comcast-owned Peacock aren’t active, has picked up critically-acclaimed shows including Norway’s Beforeigners, Sweden’s Lust and Denmark’s Kamikaze.
Shows that were yet to air include Finland and Sweden’s ID, Czechia and Slovakia’s The Winner and Poland’s Warszawjanka.
All in all, SkyShowtime has picked up 168 episodes of original scripted, a big boost to a...
- 1/10/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, has struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery for exclusive rights across all of Europe to 21 HBO Max European originals.
The agreement covers 168 episodes, or more than 150 hours, of local original scripted programming, including three series previously not available anywhere that will get their world premiere as SkyShowtime originals in 2023. SkyShowtime said this will “significantly” accelerate its entry into original programming.
The deal, financial terms of which weren’t disclosed, also bolsters the joint venture service’s local content offering across all of its territories.
The shows, including recently premiered Beartown (Sweden), Beforeigners (Norway), Kamikaze (Denmark), Lust (Sweden) and The Informant (Hungary), were part of programming that Warner Bros. Discovery decided to remove from HBO Max last year and for which the company took writedowns. Sources at the time said the moves were taken for financial and strategic reasons...
The agreement covers 168 episodes, or more than 150 hours, of local original scripted programming, including three series previously not available anywhere that will get their world premiere as SkyShowtime originals in 2023. SkyShowtime said this will “significantly” accelerate its entry into original programming.
The deal, financial terms of which weren’t disclosed, also bolsters the joint venture service’s local content offering across all of its territories.
The shows, including recently premiered Beartown (Sweden), Beforeigners (Norway), Kamikaze (Denmark), Lust (Sweden) and The Informant (Hungary), were part of programming that Warner Bros. Discovery decided to remove from HBO Max last year and for which the company took writedowns. Sources at the time said the moves were taken for financial and strategic reasons...
- 1/10/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Streaming
Series “Tulsa King,” “1923,” “Funny Woman,” “Mayor of Kingstown” Season 2, “Rabbit Hole,” “Ripley,” “Three Women” and “Lioness” and blockbuster films “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Jurassic World Dominion,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “The Northman,” “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” “Nope,” “Ambulance” and “The Bad Guys” are among the content slate revealed by streamer SkyShowtime at a launch event in Amsterdam.
The content is specific to Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and Portugal, where SkyShowtime is now available. SkyShowtime will continue its roll out across Spain, Andorra and central and eastern Europe over the coming months and through Q1 2023 and ultimately will be available in more than 20 European markets encompassing 90 million homes including Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
SkyShowtime features content from Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation,...
Series “Tulsa King,” “1923,” “Funny Woman,” “Mayor of Kingstown” Season 2, “Rabbit Hole,” “Ripley,” “Three Women” and “Lioness” and blockbuster films “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Jurassic World Dominion,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “The Northman,” “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” “Nope,” “Ambulance” and “The Bad Guys” are among the content slate revealed by streamer SkyShowtime at a launch event in Amsterdam.
The content is specific to Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and Portugal, where SkyShowtime is now available. SkyShowtime will continue its roll out across Spain, Andorra and central and eastern Europe over the coming months and through Q1 2023 and ultimately will be available in more than 20 European markets encompassing 90 million homes including Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
SkyShowtime features content from Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation,...
- 11/5/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast and Paramount Global’s joint venture streaming platform is rolling out across Europe.
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan insists Europe’s streaming market still has room for “plenty of growth” as the joint venture streaming platform between Comcast and Paramount Global launches in 22 territories across the continent.
“If you look at the number of subscriptions per household and hours consumed, they’re all on the rise,” says Sarhan, comparing Europe to the US’s ‘mature’ streaming market. “It’s very early days. So, we think we’re well positioned. We think that there’s a lot of growth. Streaming as...
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan insists Europe’s streaming market still has room for “plenty of growth” as the joint venture streaming platform between Comcast and Paramount Global launches in 22 territories across the continent.
“If you look at the number of subscriptions per household and hours consumed, they’re all on the rise,” says Sarhan, comparing Europe to the US’s ‘mature’ streaming market. “It’s very early days. So, we think we’re well positioned. We think that there’s a lot of growth. Streaming as...
- 11/4/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Comcast and Paramount Global’s joint venture streaming platform is rolling out across Europe.
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan insists Europe’s streaming market still has room for “plenty of growth” as the joint venture streaming platform between Comcast and Paramount Global launches in 22 territories across the continent.
“If you look at the number of subscriptions per household and hours consumed, they’re all on the rise,” says Sarhan, comparing Europe to the US’s ‘mature’ streaming market. “It’s very early days. So, we think we’re well positioned. We think that there’s a lot of growth. Streaming as...
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan insists Europe’s streaming market still has room for “plenty of growth” as the joint venture streaming platform between Comcast and Paramount Global launches in 22 territories across the continent.
“If you look at the number of subscriptions per household and hours consumed, they’re all on the rise,” says Sarhan, comparing Europe to the US’s ‘mature’ streaming market. “It’s very early days. So, we think we’re well positioned. We think that there’s a lot of growth. Streaming as...
- 11/4/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Guy Ritchie To Receive Honorary Award At Red Sea Film Festival
Guy Ritchie is to receive an Honorary Award at this year’s Red Sea Film Festival. During the Festival (Dec 1—10), Ritchie will also take part in an ‘In Conversation’ event where he will talk through his cinematic career. Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the RedSeaIFF, said: “Guy Ritchie is a pioneering director and unique storyteller. Over the last 20 years, he has created a huge variety of unforgettable characters featuring original and intricate plots on the big screen. We are delighted to honor his extraordinary talents at the Festival and look forward to welcoming him to Jeddah this December.”
Danny Dyer To Lead New Thriller ‘Heat’
Channel 5, Network 10, and Fremantle Australia have partnered on Heat (4 x 60’), a new action thriller to be filmed in Australia and starring Danny Dyer. Fremantle will distribute the series internationally. Production on the series starts this month.
Guy Ritchie is to receive an Honorary Award at this year’s Red Sea Film Festival. During the Festival (Dec 1—10), Ritchie will also take part in an ‘In Conversation’ event where he will talk through his cinematic career. Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the RedSeaIFF, said: “Guy Ritchie is a pioneering director and unique storyteller. Over the last 20 years, he has created a huge variety of unforgettable characters featuring original and intricate plots on the big screen. We are delighted to honor his extraordinary talents at the Festival and look forward to welcoming him to Jeddah this December.”
Danny Dyer To Lead New Thriller ‘Heat’
Channel 5, Network 10, and Fremantle Australia have partnered on Heat (4 x 60’), a new action thriller to be filmed in Australia and starring Danny Dyer. Fremantle will distribute the series internationally. Production on the series starts this month.
- 11/4/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture formed by Sky parent Comcast and Showtime owner Paramount Global, has set Dec. 14 as the launch date for its first Central and Eastern European markets.
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan revealed the news during an on-stage appearance at the brand’s official launch event in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Thursday evening. The SkyShowtime streaming service, which debuted in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden on Sept. 20, followed by the Netherlands and Portugal on Oct. 25, will become available in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia on Dec. 14.
That will take its reach to 13 of its planned 22 markets, which encompass 90 million homes. It will then expand into Albania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia in February 2023. Spain and Andorra are the remaining markets where the streamer will become available during the first quarter of...
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture formed by Sky parent Comcast and Showtime owner Paramount Global, has set Dec. 14 as the launch date for its first Central and Eastern European markets.
SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan revealed the news during an on-stage appearance at the brand’s official launch event in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Thursday evening. The SkyShowtime streaming service, which debuted in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden on Sept. 20, followed by the Netherlands and Portugal on Oct. 25, will become available in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia on Dec. 14.
That will take its reach to 13 of its planned 22 markets, which encompass 90 million homes. It will then expand into Albania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia in February 2023. Spain and Andorra are the remaining markets where the streamer will become available during the first quarter of...
- 11/3/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Theater
“Peaky Blinders” is getting a theatrical adaptation with “Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby.”
“Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight has written the theatrical dance show, which is set to be directed and choreographed by Benoit Swan Pouffer, artistic director of Rambert.
It is set to premiere on Sept. 27 at the Birmingham Hippodrome, which is co-producing the show, before transferring to Troubadour Wembley Park in London and then a U.K. tour in 2023.
Thomas Shelby will be played by Guillaume Quéau and Prince Lyons, who will alternate, while the role of Grace will be rotated between Naya Lovell and Seren Williams.
Simon Sinek and Robin Saunders are executive producing.
“Through dance theatre ‘Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby’ picks up the story of the Peaky Blinders at the end of World War One, following Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess through their passionate love affair,” reads the logline. “While Tommy is building his empire,...
“Peaky Blinders” is getting a theatrical adaptation with “Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby.”
“Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight has written the theatrical dance show, which is set to be directed and choreographed by Benoit Swan Pouffer, artistic director of Rambert.
It is set to premiere on Sept. 27 at the Birmingham Hippodrome, which is co-producing the show, before transferring to Troubadour Wembley Park in London and then a U.K. tour in 2023.
Thomas Shelby will be played by Guillaume Quéau and Prince Lyons, who will alternate, while the role of Grace will be rotated between Naya Lovell and Seren Williams.
Simon Sinek and Robin Saunders are executive producing.
“Through dance theatre ‘Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby’ picks up the story of the Peaky Blinders at the end of World War One, following Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess through their passionate love affair,” reads the logline. “While Tommy is building his empire,...
- 9/20/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
It’s showtime for SkyShowtime.
The European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global is launching in the Nordics today, Tuesday. Its monthly price will be €6,99 (6.99) in Finland, Sek 79 (7.37) in Sweden, Nok 79 (7.77) in Norway and Dkk 69 (9.28) in Denmark. Following its debut in these markets, the service will become available in the Netherlands and Portugal on Oct. 25, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Its launch in the remaining of the 22 total markets, including Spain, Andorra and Central and Eastern Europe, is planned over the coming months and the first quarter of 2023. The territories encompass 90 million homes.
The two Hollywood giants teamed up for SkyShowtime, which uses the brand names of Comcast’s European pay TV giant Sky and Paramount’s Showtime, to serve these European markets where the companies saw a better chance for a joint streaming presence.
Ahead of the Nordics launch, the...
It’s showtime for SkyShowtime.
The European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global is launching in the Nordics today, Tuesday. Its monthly price will be €6,99 (6.99) in Finland, Sek 79 (7.37) in Sweden, Nok 79 (7.77) in Norway and Dkk 69 (9.28) in Denmark. Following its debut in these markets, the service will become available in the Netherlands and Portugal on Oct. 25, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Its launch in the remaining of the 22 total markets, including Spain, Andorra and Central and Eastern Europe, is planned over the coming months and the first quarter of 2023. The territories encompass 90 million homes.
The two Hollywood giants teamed up for SkyShowtime, which uses the brand names of Comcast’s European pay TV giant Sky and Paramount’s Showtime, to serve these European markets where the companies saw a better chance for a joint streaming presence.
Ahead of the Nordics launch, the...
- 9/20/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast’s Sky and Paramount Global, will launch on Sept. 20 in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, before debuting in the Netherlands during the fourth quarter, the companies said on Monday.
The service launch in a total of 22 markets had been eyed for late 2022 after the venture partners received approval from European regulators in February, but now the first date has been set, with additional market debuts targeted in the coming months or pushed into next year.
For example, the rollout plan covers service starts in Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Central and Eastern Europe, including the likes of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, over the coming months and through the first quarter of 2023.
Exact further launch dates and pricing are expected to be unveiled over the coming months. Paramount Global teamed with Sky for SkyShowtime...
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast’s Sky and Paramount Global, will launch on Sept. 20 in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, before debuting in the Netherlands during the fourth quarter, the companies said on Monday.
The service launch in a total of 22 markets had been eyed for late 2022 after the venture partners received approval from European regulators in February, but now the first date has been set, with additional market debuts targeted in the coming months or pushed into next year.
For example, the rollout plan covers service starts in Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Central and Eastern Europe, including the likes of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, over the coming months and through the first quarter of 2023.
Exact further launch dates and pricing are expected to be unveiled over the coming months. Paramount Global teamed with Sky for SkyShowtime...
- 9/5/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More than a year since SkyShowtime was first announced, the SVOD is ready to join the streaming fray in Europe, Variety can reveal.
The new platform — a joint venture between Comcast and Paramount Global that was first unveiled in August 2021 — will officially launch on Sept. 20 in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, before expanding into the Netherlands later this year in Q4. (The service received regulatory approval in Europe back in February.)
Meanwhile, the SVOD will continue its roll out across Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Central and Eastern Europe (Cee) over the coming months and through Q1 of 2023. Cee markets include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Specific launch dates and pricing in the aforementioned markets will be announced in the coming months. SkyShowtime is intended to sit in the European markets that aren’t already serviced by Paramount+.
The new platform — a joint venture between Comcast and Paramount Global that was first unveiled in August 2021 — will officially launch on Sept. 20 in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, before expanding into the Netherlands later this year in Q4. (The service received regulatory approval in Europe back in February.)
Meanwhile, the SVOD will continue its roll out across Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Central and Eastern Europe (Cee) over the coming months and through Q1 of 2023. Cee markets include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Specific launch dates and pricing in the aforementioned markets will be announced in the coming months. SkyShowtime is intended to sit in the European markets that aren’t already serviced by Paramount+.
- 9/5/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Global/Comcast Jv SkyShowtime has snapped up an HBO Max and Walt Disney exec to lead on strategy and legal.
Roberto Soto, HBO Max Senior Vice President and Head of Growth Marketing for Emea, joins as Chief Strategy Officer for the soon-to-launch platform, which will roll out to 22 smaller territories and a potential 90M homes in Europe later this year that aren’t getting Paramount+ or Comcast-owned Peacock.
Soto led marketing, PR and strategy on HBO Max’s roll-out in Iberia, the Nordics, Netherlands, Poland, and Central and Eastern Europe, territories that HBO Max has since pulled commissioners and shows away from. Past employers include Paramount Global, Fox International Channels and Liberty Global.
Meanwhile, John Heinemann, Disney Associate Principal Counsel for Nordics, Baltics and Mena, becomes General Counsel of SkyShowtime and will serve as chief legal officer and strategic advisor to the leadership team and board. During his stint with the Mouse House,...
Roberto Soto, HBO Max Senior Vice President and Head of Growth Marketing for Emea, joins as Chief Strategy Officer for the soon-to-launch platform, which will roll out to 22 smaller territories and a potential 90M homes in Europe later this year that aren’t getting Paramount+ or Comcast-owned Peacock.
Soto led marketing, PR and strategy on HBO Max’s roll-out in Iberia, the Nordics, Netherlands, Poland, and Central and Eastern Europe, territories that HBO Max has since pulled commissioners and shows away from. Past employers include Paramount Global, Fox International Channels and Liberty Global.
Meanwhile, John Heinemann, Disney Associate Principal Counsel for Nordics, Baltics and Mena, becomes General Counsel of SkyShowtime and will serve as chief legal officer and strategic advisor to the leadership team and board. During his stint with the Mouse House,...
- 7/27/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Stake
Newen Studios, the Paris-headquartered production and distribution group, has taken a majority stake in London-based production house, Rise Films, the outfit behind “All That Breathes,” which won the top documentary prizes at Sundance and Cannes this year. The move is part of Newen’s premium documentary ambitions and U.K. expansion plans.
Founded in 2006 by Teddy Leifer, Rise’s credits also include Emmy winners “The Invisible War” and “The Interruptors” and Oscar “Icarus.” The company is debuting in factual drama with “Thank You & Goodbye,” about the phone-hacking scandal that rocked Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, a collaboration with the creative team behind the BBC’s “The Salisbury Poisonings.”
Rise Comedy, a joint venture with Rise Films, which is run by Sam Leifer, creator of ITV comedy “Plebs,” will continue to be operated independently.
Earlier this year, Newen strengthened its strategic partnership with European producer and financier Anton and is...
Newen Studios, the Paris-headquartered production and distribution group, has taken a majority stake in London-based production house, Rise Films, the outfit behind “All That Breathes,” which won the top documentary prizes at Sundance and Cannes this year. The move is part of Newen’s premium documentary ambitions and U.K. expansion plans.
Founded in 2006 by Teddy Leifer, Rise’s credits also include Emmy winners “The Invisible War” and “The Interruptors” and Oscar “Icarus.” The company is debuting in factual drama with “Thank You & Goodbye,” about the phone-hacking scandal that rocked Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, a collaboration with the creative team behind the BBC’s “The Salisbury Poisonings.”
Rise Comedy, a joint venture with Rise Films, which is run by Sam Leifer, creator of ITV comedy “Plebs,” will continue to be operated independently.
Earlier this year, Newen strengthened its strategic partnership with European producer and financier Anton and is...
- 7/27/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, has hired Roberto Soto as chief strategy officer and Walt Disney Co. veteran John Heinemann as general counsel.
Both will join the company later this year and report to SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan, the company said on Wednesday.
Soto has been serving at HBO Max as senior vp and head of growth marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Emea), leading the marketing, PR, subscriber acquisition, customer relationship management and growth analytics teams and spearheading the streamer’s rollout across markets. In his newly created role, “Soto will lead the development and execution of SkyShowtime’s strategy, working closely with all teams across the organisation” and be based in Amsterdam, the company said.
Before joining HBO Max, Soto held senior roles in growth marketing, product, business development, strategy and distribution at Paramount Global,...
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, has hired Roberto Soto as chief strategy officer and Walt Disney Co. veteran John Heinemann as general counsel.
Both will join the company later this year and report to SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan, the company said on Wednesday.
Soto has been serving at HBO Max as senior vp and head of growth marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Emea), leading the marketing, PR, subscriber acquisition, customer relationship management and growth analytics teams and spearheading the streamer’s rollout across markets. In his newly created role, “Soto will lead the development and execution of SkyShowtime’s strategy, working closely with all teams across the organisation” and be based in Amsterdam, the company said.
Before joining HBO Max, Soto held senior roles in growth marketing, product, business development, strategy and distribution at Paramount Global,...
- 7/27/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, has named Jon Farrar, who has served in key roles at BBC commercial arm BBC Studios, head of programming.
Farrar led the direct-to-consumer programming strategy at the company as global VOD director and editor in chief of North American SVOD service BBC Select.
Paramount and Comcast had in August struck a deal to launch a new subscription video-on-demand service in more than 20 European territories, including Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland this year. The territories encompass 90 million homes.
In January, the partners named Monty Sarhan the CEO of the joint streaming business. The executive, who had joined Comcast Cable in late 2019 as senior vp content acquisition after working at Epix, also has experience at Viacom, which merged with CBS in late 2019, with the combined company...
SkyShowtime, the European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, has named Jon Farrar, who has served in key roles at BBC commercial arm BBC Studios, head of programming.
Farrar led the direct-to-consumer programming strategy at the company as global VOD director and editor in chief of North American SVOD service BBC Select.
Paramount and Comcast had in August struck a deal to launch a new subscription video-on-demand service in more than 20 European territories, including Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland this year. The territories encompass 90 million homes.
In January, the partners named Monty Sarhan the CEO of the joint streaming business. The executive, who had joined Comcast Cable in late 2019 as senior vp content acquisition after working at Epix, also has experience at Viacom, which merged with CBS in late 2019, with the combined company...
- 6/13/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SkyShowtime — the joint venture between Comcast and Paramount Global — has unveiled key hires for the European streaming service, including its head of programming.
BBC Select executive Jon Farrar has been named head of programming, Variety can reveal. The executive joins from BBC Studios, where he led the direct-to-consumer programming strategy in his dual role as global VOD director and editor-in-chief of North American SVOD service BBC Select.
Farrar was also part of the team that developed BritBox, the streaming joint venture between BBC Studios and ITV.
Reporting into SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan, Farrar will be responsible for programming strategy, overseeing the platform’s pipeline of studio content, and building a programming team across SkyShowtime’s 20 markets to develop original and local content. Farrar will also lead the acquisitions, scheduling and editorial, as well as content operations functions.
First unveiled in August 2021, SkyShowtime is intended to sit in the European markets...
BBC Select executive Jon Farrar has been named head of programming, Variety can reveal. The executive joins from BBC Studios, where he led the direct-to-consumer programming strategy in his dual role as global VOD director and editor-in-chief of North American SVOD service BBC Select.
Farrar was also part of the team that developed BritBox, the streaming joint venture between BBC Studios and ITV.
Reporting into SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan, Farrar will be responsible for programming strategy, overseeing the platform’s pipeline of studio content, and building a programming team across SkyShowtime’s 20 markets to develop original and local content. Farrar will also lead the acquisitions, scheduling and editorial, as well as content operations functions.
First unveiled in August 2021, SkyShowtime is intended to sit in the European markets...
- 6/13/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
SkyShowtime has made a number of senior appointments to its leadership team under CEO Monty Sarhan ahead of the platform’s launch later this year.
The European streamer — which was announced last year as a joint venture between ViacomCBS (now Paramount) and Comcast, with equal investment and joint control — will include over 10,000 hours of content. This includes the TV premieres of first-run theatrical films from Paramount and Universal; new scripted series from Showtime, Paramount Plus, Sky Studios and Peacock; local original programming; kids and family programming from Nickelodeon, DreamWorks and Illumination; and a library offering across all genres and key franchises from the Universal and Paramount catalogues.
Francesca Pierce has been named chief financial officer. Pierce, who joins from Sky, was one of the key members of the team that helped shape the SkyShowtime project and brings extensive experience in financial planning and commercial negotiations to the leadership team. She...
The European streamer — which was announced last year as a joint venture between ViacomCBS (now Paramount) and Comcast, with equal investment and joint control — will include over 10,000 hours of content. This includes the TV premieres of first-run theatrical films from Paramount and Universal; new scripted series from Showtime, Paramount Plus, Sky Studios and Peacock; local original programming; kids and family programming from Nickelodeon, DreamWorks and Illumination; and a library offering across all genres and key franchises from the Universal and Paramount catalogues.
Francesca Pierce has been named chief financial officer. Pierce, who joins from Sky, was one of the key members of the team that helped shape the SkyShowtime project and brings extensive experience in financial planning and commercial negotiations to the leadership team. She...
- 3/10/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
SkyShowtime, the joint streaming venture between Comcast and ViacomCBS, has received full regulatory approval.
It will launch in Europe later this year.
SkyShowtime’s CEO Monty Sarhan, who was put in charge of the project last month, will lead the roll-out.
Sarhan is a veteran of both Comcast and ViacomCBS. He previously spent more than a decade at Epix, the subscription television service, where as EVP and general manager he launched the business’s direct-to-consumer service as well as securing full national distribution with MVPDs.
Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International, has said of Sarhan: “Monty’s career at the forefront of both content and technology, his ability to scale businesses, and his background with both Jv partners make him the perfect leader for the business as we bring the very best entertainment, movies, and original series from the ViacomCBS, Sky, and NBCUniversal portfolio of brands to SkyShowtime.
It will launch in Europe later this year.
SkyShowtime’s CEO Monty Sarhan, who was put in charge of the project last month, will lead the roll-out.
Sarhan is a veteran of both Comcast and ViacomCBS. He previously spent more than a decade at Epix, the subscription television service, where as EVP and general manager he launched the business’s direct-to-consumer service as well as securing full national distribution with MVPDs.
Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International, has said of Sarhan: “Monty’s career at the forefront of both content and technology, his ability to scale businesses, and his background with both Jv partners make him the perfect leader for the business as we bring the very best entertainment, movies, and original series from the ViacomCBS, Sky, and NBCUniversal portfolio of brands to SkyShowtime.
- 2/2/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast and ViacomCBS’ SkyShowtime streamer has been given the regulatory greenlight and will launch in 20 European markets later this year.
The Jv can now proceed with plans to open in the likes of The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Spain.
Comcast and ViacomCBS veteran Monty Sarhan, who was promoted to SkyShowtime CEO earlier this year, said the streamer will offer a “unique and compelling entertainment service” to a target market of more than 90M homes, combining 10,000 hours of content from the two U.S. giants.
Pricing and more details will come at a later date.
“We are pleased that SkyShowtime has received all regulatory approvals and are excited to bring this new, unique and compelling entertainment service—with a broad range of some of the world’s leading content—to millions of consumers across these markets,” added Sarhan.
The move comes as both companies prepare to further roll out their Peacock...
The Jv can now proceed with plans to open in the likes of The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Spain.
Comcast and ViacomCBS veteran Monty Sarhan, who was promoted to SkyShowtime CEO earlier this year, said the streamer will offer a “unique and compelling entertainment service” to a target market of more than 90M homes, combining 10,000 hours of content from the two U.S. giants.
Pricing and more details will come at a later date.
“We are pleased that SkyShowtime has received all regulatory approvals and are excited to bring this new, unique and compelling entertainment service—with a broad range of some of the world’s leading content—to millions of consumers across these markets,” added Sarhan.
The move comes as both companies prepare to further roll out their Peacock...
- 2/2/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast and ViacomCBS have appointed a CEO for soon-to-launch Jv streamer Sky Showtime.
Monty Sarhan, who has been Comcast Cable’s SVP of Content Acquisition for the past two years and previously led MGM’s Epix, will take on the inaugural role with Showtime preparing to launch in 20 markets across Europe later this year.
Following regulatory approval, Sarhan will start in the London-based role later this month, shepherding the streamer that launches in the likes of Bulgaria, Denmark and Portugal as Comcast’s Peacock and ViacomCBS’ Paramount+ both also make big European plays.
He will report to the Sky Showtime board and work alongside the company’s leadership team, which will be announced in due course.
In identical notes to staff, ViacomCBS Networks International President Raffaele Annecchino and Sky Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, New Markets and Businesses, Andrea Zappia, said Sarhan is “ideally suited to take the...
Monty Sarhan, who has been Comcast Cable’s SVP of Content Acquisition for the past two years and previously led MGM’s Epix, will take on the inaugural role with Showtime preparing to launch in 20 markets across Europe later this year.
Following regulatory approval, Sarhan will start in the London-based role later this month, shepherding the streamer that launches in the likes of Bulgaria, Denmark and Portugal as Comcast’s Peacock and ViacomCBS’ Paramount+ both also make big European plays.
He will report to the Sky Showtime board and work alongside the company’s leadership team, which will be announced in due course.
In identical notes to staff, ViacomCBS Networks International President Raffaele Annecchino and Sky Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, New Markets and Businesses, Andrea Zappia, said Sarhan is “ideally suited to take the...
- 1/11/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
MGM’s premium TV network Epix will be available for DirecTV subscribers for $6 a month as part of a new distribution deal with At&T.
The agreement, which begins May 19, encompasses streaming pay bundle DirecTV Now.
Epix, which began as a movie-centric service owned by multiple content partners, has added original programming in recent years and in 2017 as fully acquired by MGM in a $1 billion deal.
“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with At&T and make our growing slate of original programming and Hollywood movies accessible to viewers across the DirecTV universe,” Epix president Michael Wright said in a statement. “It’s an exciting moment of growth for us as we build a brand that delivers a superior customer experience with high-powered, premium original series to a new audience on DirecTV and DirecTV Now.”
Monty Sarhan, Evp and Gm of Epix, described At&T as “a tremendous partner of...
The agreement, which begins May 19, encompasses streaming pay bundle DirecTV Now.
Epix, which began as a movie-centric service owned by multiple content partners, has added original programming in recent years and in 2017 as fully acquired by MGM in a $1 billion deal.
“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with At&T and make our growing slate of original programming and Hollywood movies accessible to viewers across the DirecTV universe,” Epix president Michael Wright said in a statement. “It’s an exciting moment of growth for us as we build a brand that delivers a superior customer experience with high-powered, premium original series to a new audience on DirecTV and DirecTV Now.”
Monty Sarhan, Evp and Gm of Epix, described At&T as “a tremendous partner of...
- 5/8/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Epix has closed the final link in the chain. At long last, the pay TV channel owned by MGM has set a distribution pact with At&T’s DirecTV.
A deal with the nation’s largest traditional Mvpd has long eluded the premium movie network that was created as a joint venture of Paramount Pictures, MGM and Lionsgate in 2008. Epix bowed as a linear and digital service ithe following year, but met with resistance from the largest cable operators and leading satcaster DirecTV.
DirecTV and others maintained that consumers didn’t need another movie channel at a time when theatrical releases have become more widely available than ever before via streaming and on-demand platforms. Epix wound up cutting a lucrative distribution deal with Netflix in 2010 that further alienated traditional MVPDs who even then eyeing as competition the company destined to become a worldwide streaming juggernaut.
Epix finally reached a deal with Comcast,...
A deal with the nation’s largest traditional Mvpd has long eluded the premium movie network that was created as a joint venture of Paramount Pictures, MGM and Lionsgate in 2008. Epix bowed as a linear and digital service ithe following year, but met with resistance from the largest cable operators and leading satcaster DirecTV.
DirecTV and others maintained that consumers didn’t need another movie channel at a time when theatrical releases have become more widely available than ever before via streaming and on-demand platforms. Epix wound up cutting a lucrative distribution deal with Netflix in 2010 that further alienated traditional MVPDs who even then eyeing as competition the company destined to become a worldwide streaming juggernaut.
Epix finally reached a deal with Comcast,...
- 5/8/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Epix is joining the subscription streaming marketplace with the launch of Epix Now as a stand-alone option for $5.99 a month.
MGM’s premium cabler has been developing an Ott service for some time. The company’s larger rivals — HBO, Showtime and Starz — also have services that allow subscribers to sign up for their channels without the need for a pay-tv package from a traditional Mvpd provider.
Epix Now is available as an app for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV and in Google Play for Android phones and tablets. It is expected to be available soon via Roku devices and Amazon Fire TV, with the plan roll out across other devices and platforms throughout the year. The formal launch of Epix Now was unveiled Sunday as part of Epix’s portion of the winter Television Critics Assn. press tour in Pasadena, Calif.
MGM is counting on the growth of the streaming...
MGM’s premium cabler has been developing an Ott service for some time. The company’s larger rivals — HBO, Showtime and Starz — also have services that allow subscribers to sign up for their channels without the need for a pay-tv package from a traditional Mvpd provider.
Epix Now is available as an app for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV and in Google Play for Android phones and tablets. It is expected to be available soon via Roku devices and Amazon Fire TV, with the plan roll out across other devices and platforms throughout the year. The formal launch of Epix Now was unveiled Sunday as part of Epix’s portion of the winter Television Critics Assn. press tour in Pasadena, Calif.
MGM is counting on the growth of the streaming...
- 2/10/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Epix, the premium TV network owned by Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), has launched Epix Now, the network’s new streaming service available through partner app stores.
Starting today, the service features MGM’s full library of original programming and blockbuster movies, including offerings from MGM, Paramount and Lionsgate. The app is available for download today in the App store for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, and in Google Play for Android phones and tablets. It will also be coming soon to Roku devices and Amazon Fire TV. The service will continue rolling out across additional devices over the course of the year.
Epix Now costs $5.99 per month and will also give subscribers the ability to access the network’s new original series, including Pennyworth, which tells the origin story of Batman’s butler, Alfred; Godfather of Harlem, starring Forest Whitaker; Perpetual Grace, Ltd. from MGM featuring Sir Ben Kingsley; docu-series...
Starting today, the service features MGM’s full library of original programming and blockbuster movies, including offerings from MGM, Paramount and Lionsgate. The app is available for download today in the App store for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, and in Google Play for Android phones and tablets. It will also be coming soon to Roku devices and Amazon Fire TV. The service will continue rolling out across additional devices over the course of the year.
Epix Now costs $5.99 per month and will also give subscribers the ability to access the network’s new original series, including Pennyworth, which tells the origin story of Batman’s butler, Alfred; Godfather of Harlem, starring Forest Whitaker; Perpetual Grace, Ltd. from MGM featuring Sir Ben Kingsley; docu-series...
- 2/10/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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