Exclusive: LA’s Nicely Entertainment has acquired campy telemovie Ladies of the ‘80s: A Divas Christmas, and is bringing its soap opera shenanigans to the Cannes Market.
The film stars Loni Anderson (Wkrp in Cincinnati), Morgan Fairchild (Falcon Crest), Linda Gray (Dallas), Donna Mills (Knots Landing) and Nicollette Sheridan (Knots Landing) as five glamorous soap opera stars who reunite to shoot the final Christmas episode of their long-running show. Producer Alex (Travis Burns) and director Nell (Taylor Ann Thompson) do their best to keep things on the rails but old rivalries resurface and threaten to tear the production apart. The divas are forced to put their differences aside and the show becomes an unexpected ratings hit, creating a new TV format for them and a romance for Alex and Nell.
The movie’s score and theme song ‘Ladies of the ‘80s’ was written by Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Steve Dorff...
The film stars Loni Anderson (Wkrp in Cincinnati), Morgan Fairchild (Falcon Crest), Linda Gray (Dallas), Donna Mills (Knots Landing) and Nicollette Sheridan (Knots Landing) as five glamorous soap opera stars who reunite to shoot the final Christmas episode of their long-running show. Producer Alex (Travis Burns) and director Nell (Taylor Ann Thompson) do their best to keep things on the rails but old rivalries resurface and threaten to tear the production apart. The divas are forced to put their differences aside and the show becomes an unexpected ratings hit, creating a new TV format for them and a romance for Alex and Nell.
The movie’s score and theme song ‘Ladies of the ‘80s’ was written by Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Steve Dorff...
- 5/13/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Prepare for the hunt when Lifetime premieres “Hunting Housewives” tonight, Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m. Et/7:00 p.m. Ct. The movie stars Denise Richards (“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), NeNe Leakes (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Kym Johnson Herjavec (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Melyssa Ford (“The Joe Budden Podcast”) as four housewives who find themselves stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. To survive and return home to their families, they must have their wits and determination in check.
In the film, four friends, Karla Dodds (Richards), Rebel Carron-Whitman (Leakes), Joli Symons (Johnson Herjavec) and Sharell Bouvier (Ford), go on a much-needed spa retreat weekend away from their husbands, children and busy schedules when suddenly they find themselves downed in a plane crash. With no basic survival knowledge, the housewives must use their wits and whatever is in their designer bags to survive in the rugged wilds.
In the film, four friends, Karla Dodds (Richards), Rebel Carron-Whitman (Leakes), Joli Symons (Johnson Herjavec) and Sharell Bouvier (Ford), go on a much-needed spa retreat weekend away from their husbands, children and busy schedules when suddenly they find themselves downed in a plane crash. With no basic survival knowledge, the housewives must use their wits and whatever is in their designer bags to survive in the rugged wilds.
- 3/9/2024
- by Errol Lewis
- Soap Opera Network
Denise Richards and NeNe Leakes are taking aim at their status as alums of Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise with their new Lifetime movie, Hunting Housewives.
Lifetime announced Thursday that Richards and Leakes will star in the channel’s thriller that is set to air March 9. Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford co-star with them in Hunting Housewives, which follows four harried housewives who plan a weekend spa getaway but end up stranded in the wilderness when their plane goes down. They then need to rely on their instincts and the limited contents of their designer bags to find safety and evade a group of deadly hunters.
Richards, who is known for her decades-spanning acting career, was a main castmember on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for seasons nine and 10 and has appeared as a guest on season 13, which is currently airing. She has starred in such previous Lifetime...
Lifetime announced Thursday that Richards and Leakes will star in the channel’s thriller that is set to air March 9. Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford co-star with them in Hunting Housewives, which follows four harried housewives who plan a weekend spa getaway but end up stranded in the wilderness when their plane goes down. They then need to rely on their instincts and the limited contents of their designer bags to find safety and evade a group of deadly hunters.
Richards, who is known for her decades-spanning acting career, was a main castmember on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for seasons nine and 10 and has appeared as a guest on season 13, which is currently airing. She has starred in such previous Lifetime...
- 2/1/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hulu Acquires Two New Holiday Movies, Including Denise Richards’ ‘A Christmas Frequency’ (Exclusive)
Hulu is once again decking the halls. The streaming service has acquired two new movies, “A Christmas Frequency” and “Reporting for Christmas,” produced by Nicely Entertainment, coming this holiday season. Both are set to premiere Nov. 1.
“A Christmas Frequency” stars Denise Richards as a morning radio show host, who is struggling in both her personal life — secretly separating from her husband (James Hyde) — and at work, with the ratings of her show dropping. When she’s set up on a series of blind dates as a way to save the show, things get interesting with one man (Jonathan Stoddard) is both a man she’s actually interested in and someone who has also applied to be her date.
“A Christmas Frequency is directed by Lindsay Hartley. Vanessa Shapiro executive produces; producers are Richard Switzer and Dave Hickey.
“Reporting for Christmas” follows Mary (Tamara Feldman), a serious reporter forced to take...
“A Christmas Frequency” stars Denise Richards as a morning radio show host, who is struggling in both her personal life — secretly separating from her husband (James Hyde) — and at work, with the ratings of her show dropping. When she’s set up on a series of blind dates as a way to save the show, things get interesting with one man (Jonathan Stoddard) is both a man she’s actually interested in and someone who has also applied to be her date.
“A Christmas Frequency is directed by Lindsay Hartley. Vanessa Shapiro executive produces; producers are Richard Switzer and Dave Hickey.
“Reporting for Christmas” follows Mary (Tamara Feldman), a serious reporter forced to take...
- 10/11/2023
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Denise Richards is set to star as a radio host looking for a date to the company Christmas party in holiday movie “A Christmas Frequency,” Variety can reveal.
Veteran director Lindsay Hartley (“The Romeo and Juliet Murders”) will helm the project, which is being produced by Nicely Entertainment.
Ansley Gordon (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), who wrote the screenplay for “A Christmas Frequency,” will also star in the movie alongside Johnathan Stoddard (“Furry Little Christmas”) and James Hyde (“The Young and the Restless”).
In the film, which is already in production, Richards stars as morning radio show host Brooke Walkins, who is not only secretly separating from her husband Todd (Hyde) but haemorrhaging ratings on her show. When she finds out the show is being axed, Brooke’s producer Kenzie Parker (Gordon) has the bright idea of setting up the host with a series of blind dates live on air to help Brooke...
Veteran director Lindsay Hartley (“The Romeo and Juliet Murders”) will helm the project, which is being produced by Nicely Entertainment.
Ansley Gordon (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), who wrote the screenplay for “A Christmas Frequency,” will also star in the movie alongside Johnathan Stoddard (“Furry Little Christmas”) and James Hyde (“The Young and the Restless”).
In the film, which is already in production, Richards stars as morning radio show host Brooke Walkins, who is not only secretly separating from her husband Todd (Hyde) but haemorrhaging ratings on her show. When she finds out the show is being axed, Brooke’s producer Kenzie Parker (Gordon) has the bright idea of setting up the host with a series of blind dates live on air to help Brooke...
- 5/16/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) has joined the cast of director Josh Webber’s holiday pic Athena Saves Christmas, with Christina Cooper coming aboard as producer.
The film follows Samuel (Paxton Kubitz) and his friends, along with Sam’s trusted dog Athena, on an adventure of a lifetime, as they match wits with a mob boss and look to solve a series of riddles, in order to save Christmas for their town.
Webber is also producing for Webber Films, alongside Michael Girgenti, Henry Penzi and Cooper. Tony Mercedes and Tamara Johnson are serving as EPs, with Robert Miano (Fast & Furious), Richard Portnow (Hitchcock), Mars Callahan, Glenn Plummer, Kaitlyn Raymond and more rounding out the cast. Gooding Jr. is repped by manager and attorney Peter Toumbekis.
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Liam O’Donnell, Chad Law
Exclusive: Liam O’Donnell (XYZ Films’ Skyline franchise) has been tapped to direct the action-thriller Triggermen...
The film follows Samuel (Paxton Kubitz) and his friends, along with Sam’s trusted dog Athena, on an adventure of a lifetime, as they match wits with a mob boss and look to solve a series of riddles, in order to save Christmas for their town.
Webber is also producing for Webber Films, alongside Michael Girgenti, Henry Penzi and Cooper. Tony Mercedes and Tamara Johnson are serving as EPs, with Robert Miano (Fast & Furious), Richard Portnow (Hitchcock), Mars Callahan, Glenn Plummer, Kaitlyn Raymond and more rounding out the cast. Gooding Jr. is repped by manager and attorney Peter Toumbekis.
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Liam O’Donnell, Chad Law
Exclusive: Liam O’Donnell (XYZ Films’ Skyline franchise) has been tapped to direct the action-thriller Triggermen...
- 3/3/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Nicely Entertainment has tapped David Hickey (pictured above right) as its first head of production to oversee its new mini studio in Arizona, CEO Vanessa Shapiro revealed on Wednesday.
Hickey, who was most recently creative executive producer at Canada’s Real One Entertainment, will report to Shapiro and oversee operations and productions including “Mysteries of the Heart,” starring Ansley Gordon (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), pictured above left.
“Mysteries of the Heart” is the first film on Nicely’s 2023 Arizona production slate.
L.A.-based Nicely, which launched three years ago as an independent production and distribution studio, has released over 50 movies since its inception.
Hickey has 25 years experience and over 90 development and production credits, including A&e movies including “Here Kills the Bride” and “Crazy Neighbourhood Moms.”
“In addition to our distribution operations in Los Angeles and Paris, we are focused in 2023 in building a preeminent mini-studio in Arizona, with a goal...
Hickey, who was most recently creative executive producer at Canada’s Real One Entertainment, will report to Shapiro and oversee operations and productions including “Mysteries of the Heart,” starring Ansley Gordon (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), pictured above left.
“Mysteries of the Heart” is the first film on Nicely’s 2023 Arizona production slate.
L.A.-based Nicely, which launched three years ago as an independent production and distribution studio, has released over 50 movies since its inception.
Hickey has 25 years experience and over 90 development and production credits, including A&e movies including “Here Kills the Bride” and “Crazy Neighbourhood Moms.”
“In addition to our distribution operations in Los Angeles and Paris, we are focused in 2023 in building a preeminent mini-studio in Arizona, with a goal...
- 2/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Nicely Entertainment has tapped ex-TF1 exec Rachel Siegenthaler for vice president of international sales.
Siegenthaler will remain in Paris for the newly-created role, which will be focused on expanding L.A.-based Nicely’s European presence.
The role will include responsibility for Emea and Asia sales and co-productions, which include ten movies set to debut at Mipcom next month. The Mipcom slate includes “Cloudy with a Chance of Christmas” (pictured above), “A Christmas to Treasure,” “A Royal in Paradise” and “Baked with a Kiss” as well as family documentary “Beyond the Reef,” which introduces audiences to the Great Barrier Reef. The feature, which is set to be released in IMAX, is narrated by Shuang Hu.
Rachel Siegenthaler courtesy of Nicely Entertainment
Siegenthaler previously worked for TF1, Turner and her own consulting agency, which is focused on distribution. In her new role she will report to Nicely CEO Vanessa Shapiro and Scott Kirkpatrick,...
Siegenthaler will remain in Paris for the newly-created role, which will be focused on expanding L.A.-based Nicely’s European presence.
The role will include responsibility for Emea and Asia sales and co-productions, which include ten movies set to debut at Mipcom next month. The Mipcom slate includes “Cloudy with a Chance of Christmas” (pictured above), “A Christmas to Treasure,” “A Royal in Paradise” and “Baked with a Kiss” as well as family documentary “Beyond the Reef,” which introduces audiences to the Great Barrier Reef. The feature, which is set to be released in IMAX, is narrated by Shuang Hu.
Rachel Siegenthaler courtesy of Nicely Entertainment
Siegenthaler previously worked for TF1, Turner and her own consulting agency, which is focused on distribution. In her new role she will report to Nicely CEO Vanessa Shapiro and Scott Kirkpatrick,...
- 9/6/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
Breeders, the comedy series that explores the challenges of modern parenting, is sticking around at FX.
The series was renewed today by Nick Grad, President, Original Programming, FX Entertainment.
The beloved series, starring Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard concluded its third season on FX this week and all seasons are available to stream on Hulu.
"Breeders has given us the special opportunity to watch the 'Worsley' family grow with each season and FX is thrilled to order a fourth season that will bring the next chapter of this hilarious yet brutally honest take on being a parent in today's world," said Grad.
"Our thanks to creators Simon Blackwell, Chris Addison and Martin Freeman, the entire creative team, Daisy and the cast, the crew and everyone at Avalon, FX Productions and Sky."
"Their efforts are what...
Breeders, the comedy series that explores the challenges of modern parenting, is sticking around at FX.
The series was renewed today by Nick Grad, President, Original Programming, FX Entertainment.
The beloved series, starring Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard concluded its third season on FX this week and all seasons are available to stream on Hulu.
"Breeders has given us the special opportunity to watch the 'Worsley' family grow with each season and FX is thrilled to order a fourth season that will bring the next chapter of this hilarious yet brutally honest take on being a parent in today's world," said Grad.
"Our thanks to creators Simon Blackwell, Chris Addison and Martin Freeman, the entire creative team, Daisy and the cast, the crew and everyone at Avalon, FX Productions and Sky."
"Their efforts are what...
- 7/19/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Martha Kelly (Euphoria) and Scarlet Envy (RuPaul’s Drag Race) will star alongside Natalie Palamides (Nate – a One Man Show), Bob Clendenin (Scrubs), and newcomer Eve Donnelly (Chad) in the short film Only Worn Once, which is heading into production this month.
The film from writer-directors Claire Downs and Brenden Gallagher centers on recent divorcée Darcy (Kelly)and her daughter (Palamides), who sell Darcy’s used wedding dress on the internet to an 18-year-old (Donnelly) getting married to a much older man. When Darcy’s ex, Don (Clendenin), discovers the sale, a fight ensues. Phil Rosenberg is producing.
Kelly is repped by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Envy by King’s Queens Entertainment and My Best Judy; Palamides by ICM Partners and Archetype; Clendenin by Artists & Representatives and Insight; Donnelly by 3 Arts; Downs by Quattro Media; and Gallagher by Art/Work Entertainment.
***
Exclusive: Andrew Chappelle (Blindspotting) and Devere Rogers (Honk for Jesus.
The film from writer-directors Claire Downs and Brenden Gallagher centers on recent divorcée Darcy (Kelly)and her daughter (Palamides), who sell Darcy’s used wedding dress on the internet to an 18-year-old (Donnelly) getting married to a much older man. When Darcy’s ex, Don (Clendenin), discovers the sale, a fight ensues. Phil Rosenberg is producing.
Kelly is repped by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Envy by King’s Queens Entertainment and My Best Judy; Palamides by ICM Partners and Archetype; Clendenin by Artists & Representatives and Insight; Donnelly by 3 Arts; Downs by Quattro Media; and Gallagher by Art/Work Entertainment.
***
Exclusive: Andrew Chappelle (Blindspotting) and Devere Rogers (Honk for Jesus.
- 6/17/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Australia’s Steve Jaggi Company Hatches Film and TV Slate Deal With Nicely Entertainment (Exclusive)
Australia’s Steve Jaggi Company and the Los Angeles-based Nicely Entertainment have hatched a pact to develop and produce a significant slate of film and TV series.
“A Royal in Paradise,” the third movie collaboration between the two partners and the first under the new deal, started production this week in Australia’s Queensland.
Previously, the two collaborated on young adult series “Dive Club” and romantic feature “This Little Love of Mine,” which claimed to be the first Australian film into production during the global pandemic. Both productions were sold to Netflix.
The new deal calls for them to develop a minimum of six new TV projects, including both dramas and YA series, and two to three new movies per year.
Starring Rhiannon Fish (“The 100,” “Home and Away”) and Mitchell Bourke (“The Family Law”), “A Royal in Paradise” is directed by Adrian Powers (“Forbidden Ground”) from a script by...
“A Royal in Paradise,” the third movie collaboration between the two partners and the first under the new deal, started production this week in Australia’s Queensland.
Previously, the two collaborated on young adult series “Dive Club” and romantic feature “This Little Love of Mine,” which claimed to be the first Australian film into production during the global pandemic. Both productions were sold to Netflix.
The new deal calls for them to develop a minimum of six new TV projects, including both dramas and YA series, and two to three new movies per year.
Starring Rhiannon Fish (“The 100,” “Home and Away”) and Mitchell Bourke (“The Family Law”), “A Royal in Paradise” is directed by Adrian Powers (“Forbidden Ground”) from a script by...
- 6/14/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
New York-based film and television studio and streaming network FilmRise has struck a production and distribution deal with Los Angeles-based Nicely Entertainment.
Under the terms of the deal, FilmRise will co-produce and exclusively distribute in the U.S. holiday-themed films “Sappy Holiday,” starring Vanessa Sears (“The Last Man”) and John McLaren (“Heartland”) and “Snowball Effect” along with two newly completed productions from Nicely – “Adeline,” starring John Schneider (“Dukes of Hazard”) and “Snapshot to Love,” starring Lexi Giovagnoli (“Christmas Lovers Anonymous”) and Benedict Mazurek (“Danger! Danger!”).
In addition, FilmRise is picking up U.S. digital distribution rights to some 20 holiday films in the Nicely library.
Along with the FilmRise Streaming Network, the new productions will be offered to a range of broadcasters and digital partner platforms. In 2021, FilmRise entered a similar deal with Reel One Entertainment, which focuses on female-lead, feel-good romance and holiday films, that included FilmRise acquiring 15 new releases,...
Under the terms of the deal, FilmRise will co-produce and exclusively distribute in the U.S. holiday-themed films “Sappy Holiday,” starring Vanessa Sears (“The Last Man”) and John McLaren (“Heartland”) and “Snowball Effect” along with two newly completed productions from Nicely – “Adeline,” starring John Schneider (“Dukes of Hazard”) and “Snapshot to Love,” starring Lexi Giovagnoli (“Christmas Lovers Anonymous”) and Benedict Mazurek (“Danger! Danger!”).
In addition, FilmRise is picking up U.S. digital distribution rights to some 20 holiday films in the Nicely library.
Along with the FilmRise Streaming Network, the new productions will be offered to a range of broadcasters and digital partner platforms. In 2021, FilmRise entered a similar deal with Reel One Entertainment, which focuses on female-lead, feel-good romance and holiday films, that included FilmRise acquiring 15 new releases,...
- 3/14/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Canada’s Incendo and Los Angeles-based Nicely Entertainment have struck a development and production partnership beginning with the scripted limited series, “The Christmas Checklist.”
The four-episode series will be available in the marketplace for the 2022 holiday season.
Written by Lisa Hepner, “The Christmas Checklist” is a holiday-themed limited TV series targeted for release in December 2022. Incendo and Nicely Entertainment will develop and produce the series with Incendo responsible for distribution in English and French Canada, and Nicely Entertainment overseeing the U.S. and all other international territories.
Here’s an official synopsis of the movie: In “The Christmas Checklist,” Emily Richmond faces the daunting task of fulfilling her mother Ruby’s last wish — to complete a 12-task Christmas Checklist before Dec. 25. Freelance writer Noah covers Emily’s compelling story for the local paper, and as Emily works through her list, Noah’s article turns from vividly inspiring to personally cherished.
The four-episode series will be available in the marketplace for the 2022 holiday season.
Written by Lisa Hepner, “The Christmas Checklist” is a holiday-themed limited TV series targeted for release in December 2022. Incendo and Nicely Entertainment will develop and produce the series with Incendo responsible for distribution in English and French Canada, and Nicely Entertainment overseeing the U.S. and all other international territories.
Here’s an official synopsis of the movie: In “The Christmas Checklist,” Emily Richmond faces the daunting task of fulfilling her mother Ruby’s last wish — to complete a 12-task Christmas Checklist before Dec. 25. Freelance writer Noah covers Emily’s compelling story for the local paper, and as Emily works through her list, Noah’s article turns from vividly inspiring to personally cherished.
- 3/1/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Indican Pictures has acquired One Moment, a family comedy starring the late Danny Aiello, with plans to release it in theaters in May and on VOD in July.
One Moment tells the story of middle-aged siblings struggling to manage their lives and careers while also caring for their recently widowed aging father, Joe (Aiello). Joe, demanding and difficult, stubbornly believes he is still capable of running his own life which leads to sad, but sometimes hilarious situations. Although at odds on how to best care for Joe in his final years, the family is united in wanting to ensure his well-being and help him find peace of mind—without them losing their own.
Adria Tennor, Frankie Ingrassia, Natalie Seus, Sioux Madden and Sal Rendino round out the cast of the film written and directed by Deirdre O’Connor, who produced alongside Jodie Weiner. Shaun Hill and Gary Goldberger negotiated the...
One Moment tells the story of middle-aged siblings struggling to manage their lives and careers while also caring for their recently widowed aging father, Joe (Aiello). Joe, demanding and difficult, stubbornly believes he is still capable of running his own life which leads to sad, but sometimes hilarious situations. Although at odds on how to best care for Joe in his final years, the family is united in wanting to ensure his well-being and help him find peace of mind—without them losing their own.
Adria Tennor, Frankie Ingrassia, Natalie Seus, Sioux Madden and Sal Rendino round out the cast of the film written and directed by Deirdre O’Connor, who produced alongside Jodie Weiner. Shaun Hill and Gary Goldberger negotiated the...
- 2/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A spin-off series based on Clay Glen’s Second Chance franchise will mark Netflix’s first commission from a South Australian production company.
Production is underway in Adelaide on Glenpictures’ Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance!, which follows Kyra Berry (Jada Lee Henry), a 14-year-old African American gymnast whose dream to compete in the Olympics comes undone when she injures her knee.
Maddy Cornell (Emily Morris), the ex-world champion Australian gymnast turned coach, sees Kyra’s potential and invites her to join Australia’s Elite Gymnastics Program on a trial.
Kyra’s time in Australia is shaped by amazing friendships, important life lessons, personal growth, and her first boy crush, all of which she shares with young teen teammates.
The ten-part series will be Morris’ third outing as Maddy Cornell, following appearances in A Second Chance and A Second Chance: Rivals. Young cast members Stella Shute, Akira Van, and Eva Grados also return from the 2019 sequel.
Production is underway in Adelaide on Glenpictures’ Gymnastics Academy: A Second Chance!, which follows Kyra Berry (Jada Lee Henry), a 14-year-old African American gymnast whose dream to compete in the Olympics comes undone when she injures her knee.
Maddy Cornell (Emily Morris), the ex-world champion Australian gymnast turned coach, sees Kyra’s potential and invites her to join Australia’s Elite Gymnastics Program on a trial.
Kyra’s time in Australia is shaped by amazing friendships, important life lessons, personal growth, and her first boy crush, all of which she shares with young teen teammates.
The ten-part series will be Morris’ third outing as Maddy Cornell, following appearances in A Second Chance and A Second Chance: Rivals. Young cast members Stella Shute, Akira Van, and Eva Grados also return from the 2019 sequel.
- 10/7/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
One of the first films to go into production in Australia during the pandemic will have its worldwide debut on Netflix next month.
Christine Luby’s romantic comedy This Little Love of Mine be on the streaming service from July 7 following its premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival in April.
The story follows Laura Price (Saskia Hampele), a successful San Francisco lawyer on the cusp of promotion – a far cry from her childhood growing up on a tropical island with best friends Chip (Liam McIntyre) and Gem (Lynn Gilmartin).
When the firm’s biggest client – Chip’s grandfather – asks Laura to travel to the island and deliver a contract to make Chip his heir, she leaves behind her practice and fiancé Owen, to convince her childhood friend to sign a contract that will make him a billionaire. As Chip and Laura grow closer, she questions whether she’s engaged...
Christine Luby’s romantic comedy This Little Love of Mine be on the streaming service from July 7 following its premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival in April.
The story follows Laura Price (Saskia Hampele), a successful San Francisco lawyer on the cusp of promotion – a far cry from her childhood growing up on a tropical island with best friends Chip (Liam McIntyre) and Gem (Lynn Gilmartin).
When the firm’s biggest client – Chip’s grandfather – asks Laura to travel to the island and deliver a contract to make Chip his heir, she leaves behind her practice and fiancé Owen, to convince her childhood friend to sign a contract that will make him a billionaire. As Chip and Laura grow closer, she questions whether she’s engaged...
- 6/22/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Nicely Entertainment has hired Nent Studios U.K. executive Scott Kirkpatrick as executive VP of distribution and co-productions.
Kirkpatrick joins the Los Angeles-based Nicely following his departure from the Scandinavian Nent Group-backed distributor and producer, which was previously known as Drg. Kirkpatrick was senior VP of North American sales, co-production and global digital strategy for the outfit, which sells ITV’s “Doc Martin” and BBC and ABC Australia’s “The Cry.”
His appointment at Nicely Entertainment, which is just over a year old, marks a reunion for Kirkpatrick and founder Vanessa Shapiro, who previously worked together at MarVista Entertainment, where Kirkpatrick served as executive director of distribution. Previously, he worked at Icap Media as VP of sales and media brokerage, and Bennet Media Worldwide as director of international sales.
“I’m delighted that Scott and I will be working together again. He’s a talented executive with deep industry experience...
Kirkpatrick joins the Los Angeles-based Nicely following his departure from the Scandinavian Nent Group-backed distributor and producer, which was previously known as Drg. Kirkpatrick was senior VP of North American sales, co-production and global digital strategy for the outfit, which sells ITV’s “Doc Martin” and BBC and ABC Australia’s “The Cry.”
His appointment at Nicely Entertainment, which is just over a year old, marks a reunion for Kirkpatrick and founder Vanessa Shapiro, who previously worked together at MarVista Entertainment, where Kirkpatrick served as executive director of distribution. Previously, he worked at Icap Media as VP of sales and media brokerage, and Bennet Media Worldwide as director of international sales.
“I’m delighted that Scott and I will be working together again. He’s a talented executive with deep industry experience...
- 4/6/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Folktellers: Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook is getting the television treatment after Peter Mohan, exec producer of Hulu’s The Hardy Boys, teamed up with former Gaumont exec Vanessa Shapiro.
Mohan and Shapiro, via her nascent shingle Nicely Entertainment, are exec producing the adaptation of the YA fantasy book series and are developing an adaptation.
Mohan, who was also a writer and co-exec producer of BBC America’s Orphan Black, will also act as showrunner of the project if the series lands a network.
The pair will work with author Josef Bastian, founder of Folktellers LLC, and Scott Paskoff, who will also exec produce, to develop the eight-book story arc into a live-action series for kids ages 8–12 years old. The potential first season would be based on the first three books in the series, Phase of the Moon, Cave in the Rock, and Shadows on the Silver Strings.
The...
Mohan and Shapiro, via her nascent shingle Nicely Entertainment, are exec producing the adaptation of the YA fantasy book series and are developing an adaptation.
Mohan, who was also a writer and co-exec producer of BBC America’s Orphan Black, will also act as showrunner of the project if the series lands a network.
The pair will work with author Josef Bastian, founder of Folktellers LLC, and Scott Paskoff, who will also exec produce, to develop the eight-book story arc into a live-action series for kids ages 8–12 years old. The potential first season would be based on the first three books in the series, Phase of the Moon, Cave in the Rock, and Shadows on the Silver Strings.
The...
- 1/25/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Beta Entertainment Spain is joining forces with Nicely Entertainment, the L.A.-based outfit run by former Gaumont executive Vanessa Shapiro, to produce the TV thriller series project “The Tamer.”
The project, about a serial killer who tames and trains other killers to take down more of their kind, has attached Spain’s Paco Torres (“El vuelo del tren”) as writer, director and showrunner, alongside Mexican director of photography Guillermo Navarro, who won an Academy Award for Guillermo del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
This deal marks an early incursion into the international TV drama production sector by Beta Entertainment Spain, the Madrid-based joint venture launched late last year by European film-tv giant Beta Film and Spanish producer Javier Pérez de Silva.
Bes is conceived as a bridge into the U.S. and Latin American TV markets.
“Partnering with U.S. and Latin American companies was a top priority for us.
The project, about a serial killer who tames and trains other killers to take down more of their kind, has attached Spain’s Paco Torres (“El vuelo del tren”) as writer, director and showrunner, alongside Mexican director of photography Guillermo Navarro, who won an Academy Award for Guillermo del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
This deal marks an early incursion into the international TV drama production sector by Beta Entertainment Spain, the Madrid-based joint venture launched late last year by European film-tv giant Beta Film and Spanish producer Javier Pérez de Silva.
Bes is conceived as a bridge into the U.S. and Latin American TV markets.
“Partnering with U.S. and Latin American companies was a top priority for us.
- 10/14/2020
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Spanish TV drama producers are thinking bigger than ever, scaling up in a globalized SVOD market.
They are also allying with powerful U.S. partners, responding to a global feeding-frenzy for Spanish-language premium series.
Spanish TV dramas at Mipcom Online Plus underscore this trend. One, “Inés of My Soul,” marks the first move into big-budget international co-production by public broadcaster Rtve, teaming with Boomerang TV, Chile’s Turner-owned Chilevisión and Amazon Prime Video Spain.
Beta Film is presenting “Tell Me Who I Am,” based on Julia Navarro’s global bestseller, co-produced with Telemundo Intl. Studios in partnership with Dlo.
In ongoing productions, Movistar, Telefonica’s SVOD/pay TV arm, alongside AMC Studios and Fernando Bovaira’s Mod Pictures, is producing “La Fortuna,” an adventure series created by Academy Award winner Alejandro Amenábar.
Also, Spain’s Paco Cabezas (“Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”) is leading creative development on “The Gipsy Bride,...
They are also allying with powerful U.S. partners, responding to a global feeding-frenzy for Spanish-language premium series.
Spanish TV dramas at Mipcom Online Plus underscore this trend. One, “Inés of My Soul,” marks the first move into big-budget international co-production by public broadcaster Rtve, teaming with Boomerang TV, Chile’s Turner-owned Chilevisión and Amazon Prime Video Spain.
Beta Film is presenting “Tell Me Who I Am,” based on Julia Navarro’s global bestseller, co-produced with Telemundo Intl. Studios in partnership with Dlo.
In ongoing productions, Movistar, Telefonica’s SVOD/pay TV arm, alongside AMC Studios and Fernando Bovaira’s Mod Pictures, is producing “La Fortuna,” an adventure series created by Academy Award winner Alejandro Amenábar.
Also, Spain’s Paco Cabezas (“Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”) is leading creative development on “The Gipsy Bride,...
- 10/11/2020
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Christmas might not be until December, but some networks are slapping on their mittens and gearing up for the holiday season as early as October.
Families often find themselves gathered around the TV binging some of Hallmark or Lifetime’s latest Christmas-themed films, and this year is no exception. With people around the country encouraged to stay indoors and avoid crowded locations, Variety breaks down a list of feel-good Christmas movies to tune into this year.
As part of Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movie slate, the channel will premiere 30 original TV movies beginning Oct. 23 and running through mid-December. In its efforts to diversify the stories it showcases, Lifetime said it worked with GLAAD and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) for its first-ever LGBTQ-led film “The Christmas Setup” and “A Sugar & Spice Holiday” centering on an Asian American family.
More films will be added to the list as networks announce them.
Families often find themselves gathered around the TV binging some of Hallmark or Lifetime’s latest Christmas-themed films, and this year is no exception. With people around the country encouraged to stay indoors and avoid crowded locations, Variety breaks down a list of feel-good Christmas movies to tune into this year.
As part of Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movie slate, the channel will premiere 30 original TV movies beginning Oct. 23 and running through mid-December. In its efforts to diversify the stories it showcases, Lifetime said it worked with GLAAD and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) for its first-ever LGBTQ-led film “The Christmas Setup” and “A Sugar & Spice Holiday” centering on an Asian American family.
More films will be added to the list as networks announce them.
- 9/18/2020
- by Eli Countryman and Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
(L-r) Christine Luby, Liam McIntyre and Saskia Hampele on set (Photo credit: David Fell).
Saskia Hampele and Liam McIntyre (The Flash) are starring in the romantic comedy This Little Love of Mine, one of the first feature films to roll in the post Covid-19 era.
Now shooting in Cairns and produced by the Steve Jaggi Company, the film follows Hampele as Laura, a successful Australian-born lawyer in San Francisco who is on the cusp of promotion.
McIntyre and Lynn Gilmartin play Chip and Gem, her childhood friends. The firm’s biggest client, Chip’s grandfather (Martin Portus), asks Laura to travel to the Australian island where she grew up to deliver a contract to make Chip his heir.
The contract promises to make Chip a billionaire and Laura a partner in the firm. When she gets to the island there is immediate chemistry between Laura and Chip, making her question where it she truly belongs.
Saskia Hampele and Liam McIntyre (The Flash) are starring in the romantic comedy This Little Love of Mine, one of the first feature films to roll in the post Covid-19 era.
Now shooting in Cairns and produced by the Steve Jaggi Company, the film follows Hampele as Laura, a successful Australian-born lawyer in San Francisco who is on the cusp of promotion.
McIntyre and Lynn Gilmartin play Chip and Gem, her childhood friends. The firm’s biggest client, Chip’s grandfather (Martin Portus), asks Laura to travel to the Australian island where she grew up to deliver a contract to make Chip his heir.
The contract promises to make Chip a billionaire and Laura a partner in the firm. When she gets to the island there is immediate chemistry between Laura and Chip, making her question where it she truly belongs.
- 6/29/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Julian Cullen and Kimie Tsukakoshi in ‘The Bureau of Magical Things.’ (Photo credit: Mark Taylor)
Screen production in Queensland is set to restart with the second season of Jonathan M. Shiff Productions’ The Bureau of Magical Things and a rom-com feature from the Steve Jaggi Company.
The cameras will roll on Shiff’s children’s fantasy, which was shut down in March, on June 29 on the Gold Coast.
On the same day, Jaggi and director Christine Luby will begin shooting This Little Love of Mine in Cairns. Scripted by Georgia Harrison, it’s a co-production with Nicely Entertainment, an La-based distribution and production company recently launched by former Gaumont exec Vanessa Shapiro.
Jaggi is producing with Kelly Son Hing and Spencer McLaren; the cast will be announced next week.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Shiff’s 20-part series is employing more than 200 cast and crew and injecting more than $8.5 million into the State’s economy.
Screen production in Queensland is set to restart with the second season of Jonathan M. Shiff Productions’ The Bureau of Magical Things and a rom-com feature from the Steve Jaggi Company.
The cameras will roll on Shiff’s children’s fantasy, which was shut down in March, on June 29 on the Gold Coast.
On the same day, Jaggi and director Christine Luby will begin shooting This Little Love of Mine in Cairns. Scripted by Georgia Harrison, it’s a co-production with Nicely Entertainment, an La-based distribution and production company recently launched by former Gaumont exec Vanessa Shapiro.
Jaggi is producing with Kelly Son Hing and Spencer McLaren; the cast will be announced next week.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Shiff’s 20-part series is employing more than 200 cast and crew and injecting more than $8.5 million into the State’s economy.
- 6/18/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Gaumont, the once thriving French studio behind “The Intouchables” and “Narcos,” is set to rejig its film and TV strategy as it anticipates heavy losses in 2019.
Variety can reveal that the company has all but shut down its TV distribution operations in the U.S., recently axing 12 employees, including Vanessa Shapiro, president of worldwide distribution, and her team.
Shapiro was hired in 2017 and reported to Gaumont vice-ceo Christophe Riandée, and Gene Stein, who took over as president of Los Angeles-based Gaumont Television U.S. in 2015, following the exit of Katie O’Connell Marsh, whose latest venture, TV outfit Platform One Media, was acquired by Canada’s Boat Rocker Media in September.
Shapiro was in charge of spearheading sales of the Gaumont Television catalogue, including drama and animation series, as well as French shows. She was also in charge of international co-productions.
Variety understands the executive has now set up film...
Variety can reveal that the company has all but shut down its TV distribution operations in the U.S., recently axing 12 employees, including Vanessa Shapiro, president of worldwide distribution, and her team.
Shapiro was hired in 2017 and reported to Gaumont vice-ceo Christophe Riandée, and Gene Stein, who took over as president of Los Angeles-based Gaumont Television U.S. in 2015, following the exit of Katie O’Connell Marsh, whose latest venture, TV outfit Platform One Media, was acquired by Canada’s Boat Rocker Media in September.
Shapiro was in charge of spearheading sales of the Gaumont Television catalogue, including drama and animation series, as well as French shows. She was also in charge of international co-productions.
Variety understands the executive has now set up film...
- 1/24/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Gaumont has appointed Christian Gabela, the executive producer of “El Chapo,” as vice president of international TV co-productions.
Gabela’s role will be to manage and expand the company’s TV distribution and co-production partnerships in key territories internationally with a focus on Latin America. Gaumont is currently developing the series “El Presidente,” its first Latin American co-production for Amazon Prime.
Gabela will report to Vanessa Shapiro, the president of worldwide TV distribution and co-production. He will work closely with all of the creative executives at Gaumont in Los Angeles, Paris, London and Berlin.
“Christian’s knowledge of TV development and production will bolster our distribution/co-production efforts in the Latin America region where we have ten drama series in development, alongside our in-house Latin American shows,” said Christophe Riandee, the vice CEO of Gaumont.
Riandée said Gabela’s “deep background and success with Spanish-language series will help (Gaumont’s...
Gabela’s role will be to manage and expand the company’s TV distribution and co-production partnerships in key territories internationally with a focus on Latin America. Gaumont is currently developing the series “El Presidente,” its first Latin American co-production for Amazon Prime.
Gabela will report to Vanessa Shapiro, the president of worldwide TV distribution and co-production. He will work closely with all of the creative executives at Gaumont in Los Angeles, Paris, London and Berlin.
“Christian’s knowledge of TV development and production will bolster our distribution/co-production efforts in the Latin America region where we have ten drama series in development, alongside our in-house Latin American shows,” said Christophe Riandee, the vice CEO of Gaumont.
Riandée said Gabela’s “deep background and success with Spanish-language series will help (Gaumont’s...
- 6/24/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Univision’s Christian Gabela appointed as vice president, international TV co-productions from Univision.
Gaumont has hired Christian Gabela to manage and expand the company’s international TV distribution/co-production partnerships, with a focus on Latin America.
Gabela joins the Narcos producer as vice president, international TV co-productions from Us-based Spanish-language network Univision, where he was vice president and general manager of its production division, Story House Entertainment. His previous projects include Netflix originals El Chapo and Tijuana.
He will report to Gaumont’s Vanessa Shapiro, president, worldwide TV distribution and co-production, and work with creative executives in Los Angeles, Paris,...
Gaumont has hired Christian Gabela to manage and expand the company’s international TV distribution/co-production partnerships, with a focus on Latin America.
Gabela joins the Narcos producer as vice president, international TV co-productions from Us-based Spanish-language network Univision, where he was vice president and general manager of its production division, Story House Entertainment. His previous projects include Netflix originals El Chapo and Tijuana.
He will report to Gaumont’s Vanessa Shapiro, president, worldwide TV distribution and co-production, and work with creative executives in Los Angeles, Paris,...
- 6/24/2019
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
How To Get Away With Murder’s Karla Souza is set to star in Amazon’s FIFA drama El Presidente.
Andrés Parra (Pablo Escobar: El Patrón del Mal) and Paulina Gaitán (Diablo Guardian) also star in the eight-part series, which is produced by Oscar‐winning director Pablo Larrain’s production company Fabula (A Fantastic Woman), Narcos producer Gaumont and Argentine producer Kapow.
Birdman’s Armando Bo will direct and exec produce the series, which is inspired by the real-life characters and events behind the 2015 “FIFA Gate” corruption scandal. The series explores the scandal from the angle of a small‐time Chilean football club president who rises from obscurity to become a key player in a $150M bribery conspiracy. Set against the backdrop of cities across Latin America, the U.S. and Europe, the series explores the sports scandal that rocked the world through the story of Jadue (Parra), a...
Andrés Parra (Pablo Escobar: El Patrón del Mal) and Paulina Gaitán (Diablo Guardian) also star in the eight-part series, which is produced by Oscar‐winning director Pablo Larrain’s production company Fabula (A Fantastic Woman), Narcos producer Gaumont and Argentine producer Kapow.
Birdman’s Armando Bo will direct and exec produce the series, which is inspired by the real-life characters and events behind the 2015 “FIFA Gate” corruption scandal. The series explores the scandal from the angle of a small‐time Chilean football club president who rises from obscurity to become a key player in a $150M bribery conspiracy. Set against the backdrop of cities across Latin America, the U.S. and Europe, the series explores the sports scandal that rocked the world through the story of Jadue (Parra), a...
- 3/26/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
16 projects will be presented during the event.
Miptv and Canneseries have unveiled the 16 projects due to be presented at the second edition of their In Development pitching event, a key component of their joint initiative the Cannes Creative Drama Forum.
Aimed at fast-tracking drama series production the forum, running during Canneseries (April 5-10) and Miptv (April 8-11), marks its second edition this year.
he selection includes Nabil Ayouch’s upcoming thriller Black-Out, produced under the banners of his Casablanca-based Ali N’Productions and Paris-based Les Films du Nouveau Monde.
It marks a first foray into high-end TV drama for Ayouch...
Miptv and Canneseries have unveiled the 16 projects due to be presented at the second edition of their In Development pitching event, a key component of their joint initiative the Cannes Creative Drama Forum.
Aimed at fast-tracking drama series production the forum, running during Canneseries (April 5-10) and Miptv (April 8-11), marks its second edition this year.
he selection includes Nabil Ayouch’s upcoming thriller Black-Out, produced under the banners of his Casablanca-based Ali N’Productions and Paris-based Les Films du Nouveau Monde.
It marks a first foray into high-end TV drama for Ayouch...
- 3/1/2019
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Pair report to president of worldwide TV distribution and co-production Vanessa Shapiro
Source: Gaumont
Gaumont has hired Mathilde Rottier as vice-president of Us and Canada TV distribution, and brought on Ezequiel Olzanski as vice-president of Latin American TV distribution and co-production.
Rottier and Olzanski’s appointments come as Gaumont prepares to present the fourth season of Netflix hit Narcos to linear TV partners at Natpe in Miami next week.
The fourth season is in production. Research company Parrot Analytics ranked the third season as the top most in-demand title on Netflix in the Us in September, and the fifth most in-demand title worldwide.
“With Narcos linear TV rights soon available in addition to all our new releases coming up this year, the timing is perfect to round out our sales team and these new appointments ensure that we have seasoned executives on the ground across the globe to represent Gaumont’s growing programming roster,” Vanessa Shapiro, president...
Source: Gaumont
Gaumont has hired Mathilde Rottier as vice-president of Us and Canada TV distribution, and brought on Ezequiel Olzanski as vice-president of Latin American TV distribution and co-production.
Rottier and Olzanski’s appointments come as Gaumont prepares to present the fourth season of Netflix hit Narcos to linear TV partners at Natpe in Miami next week.
The fourth season is in production. Research company Parrot Analytics ranked the third season as the top most in-demand title on Netflix in the Us in September, and the fifth most in-demand title worldwide.
“With Narcos linear TV rights soon available in addition to all our new releases coming up this year, the timing is perfect to round out our sales team and these new appointments ensure that we have seasoned executives on the ground across the globe to represent Gaumont’s growing programming roster,” Vanessa Shapiro, president...
- 1/11/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
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