Exclusive: Bunim/Murray Productions, the Emmy-winning reality production company which recently launched Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Girrrls on Amazon Prime, Don’t Forget The Lyrics on Fox and is bringing its hit franchise The Challenge to CBS this summer, is bolstering its development and current programming teams, promoting three and adding four new staffers.
Veteran producers Gayani Wanigaratne and Steve Ezell have both been named Senior Vice President, Development & Current. Additionally, Michael Driscoll and Nicholette Dixon have been tapped as Vice President, Development, Monique Berduo joins Bmp as Director, Development, Nikki Cameron has been promoted to Director of Development and Lauryn McCollum will serve as a development associate.
“We are committed to investing in our development and current programming teams as our creative focus has continued to evolve,” said Julie Pizzi, Bunim/Murray President. “We are thrilled to expand our in-house expertise to help us further grow our content creation efforts.
Veteran producers Gayani Wanigaratne and Steve Ezell have both been named Senior Vice President, Development & Current. Additionally, Michael Driscoll and Nicholette Dixon have been tapped as Vice President, Development, Monique Berduo joins Bmp as Director, Development, Nikki Cameron has been promoted to Director of Development and Lauryn McCollum will serve as a development associate.
“We are committed to investing in our development and current programming teams as our creative focus has continued to evolve,” said Julie Pizzi, Bunim/Murray President. “We are thrilled to expand our in-house expertise to help us further grow our content creation efforts.
- 6/6/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lonzo Ball is a well-known name in the sports industry. The famous basketball player is not only an NBA player with a big name but also a reality show star. He has his own show on Facebook Watch called, “Ball in the Family,” and he’s made himself a big name. He is also famous for his on-again, off-again relationship with his girlfriend, Denise Garcia. They’ve been on and off for many years, and she’s become somewhat of a star in her own right simply because of that. However, she’s more than just a famous Wag, and now the world is
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Denise Garcia...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Denise Garcia...
- 10/4/2021
- by Tiffany Raiford
- TVovermind.com
Bunim-Murray Prods. has a new boss: Julie Pizzi has been named president of the Banijay-owned studio. As president of Bunim-Murray Prods., Pizzi will report to Cris Abrego, chairman of the Americas for Banijay and president/CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings. She fills the void left by the departure of longtime Bunim-Murray chairman/CEO Gil Goldschein, who officially exited the shingle earlier this month.
Abrego made the announcement of Pizzi’s appointment on Wednesday. She was most recently president of entertainment and development at Bunim-Murray. The move comes as part of a reorganization following the announcement in November that Bunim-Murray would be part of Abrego’s oversight.
“Julie brings a wealth of unscripted production experience to her new role and has been a part of the Bunim/Murray family for more than 20 years, making her the ideal candidate to lead the studio into the next decade,” Abrego said. “Bunim-Murray is one...
Abrego made the announcement of Pizzi’s appointment on Wednesday. She was most recently president of entertainment and development at Bunim-Murray. The move comes as part of a reorganization following the announcement in November that Bunim-Murray would be part of Abrego’s oversight.
“Julie brings a wealth of unscripted production experience to her new role and has been a part of the Bunim/Murray family for more than 20 years, making her the ideal candidate to lead the studio into the next decade,” Abrego said. “Bunim-Murray is one...
- 2/24/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay Names Endemol Shine’s Cris Abrego to Head North America/Latin America Operations (Exclusive)
It’s Cris Abrego’s time to shine. The Endemol Shine North America CEO has been tapped to lead Banijay’s North America and Latin America operations.
Abrego will now hold the title of Banijay’s chairman of the Americas, as well as president/CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings. He reports to Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti, who is putting his final touches on a new global organizational structure following Banijay’s recent acquisition of Endemol Shine Group in a $2.2 billion deal over the summer.
As part of the announcement, Abrego’s oversight will include Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds Entertainment, Stephen David Entertainment and YellowBird US. (Banijay Studios North America will continue to be run independently by president/CEO David Goldberg.)
In Latin America, Abrego also will oversee Endemol Shine Latino, the company’s Spanish-language sales and development arm, which leads initiatives...
Abrego will now hold the title of Banijay’s chairman of the Americas, as well as president/CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings. He reports to Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti, who is putting his final touches on a new global organizational structure following Banijay’s recent acquisition of Endemol Shine Group in a $2.2 billion deal over the summer.
As part of the announcement, Abrego’s oversight will include Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds Entertainment, Stephen David Entertainment and YellowBird US. (Banijay Studios North America will continue to be run independently by president/CEO David Goldberg.)
In Latin America, Abrego also will oversee Endemol Shine Latino, the company’s Spanish-language sales and development arm, which leads initiatives...
- 11/19/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Bunim-Murray Prods. chairman/CEO Gil Goldschein is leaving after a 20-year run at the pioneering unscripted production company. Goldschein, who was elevated to the supremo role in April 2015, said he plans to pursue other opportunities “at the intersection of technology and entertainment.”
Goldschein will remain with Bunim-Murray (also abbreviated as Bmp) until Feb. 15, 2021 to help with the management transition. He took over as CEO of the Banijay-owned company more than five years ago from legendary co-founder Jonathan Murray, who was eager to shift his focus back to producing.
“At heart, I am an entrepreneur with a passion for taking on new challenges, which is why I feel the time is right to leave what has been my home for so long,” Goldschein said in a statement.
Goldschein first joined Bunim-Murray as director of business and affairs in 2001, later becoming general counsel and then chief operating officer in 2007 and president in...
Goldschein will remain with Bunim-Murray (also abbreviated as Bmp) until Feb. 15, 2021 to help with the management transition. He took over as CEO of the Banijay-owned company more than five years ago from legendary co-founder Jonathan Murray, who was eager to shift his focus back to producing.
“At heart, I am an entrepreneur with a passion for taking on new challenges, which is why I feel the time is right to leave what has been my home for so long,” Goldschein said in a statement.
Goldschein first joined Bunim-Murray as director of business and affairs in 2001, later becoming general counsel and then chief operating officer in 2007 and president in...
- 11/19/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The elimination of Whatchamacallit on Wednesday night’s Group B finals of “The Masked Singer” was the most shocking of Season 4, but not because the hairy beast was expected to advance. Minds were blown because consistently off-base panelist Ken Jeong was the only one who correctly guessed NBA star Lonzo Ball was hiding beneath the mask. “Oh my God, I love you!” Ken screamed in disbelief while standing on top of his chair. Watch Whatchamacallit’s performance of “Lean Back” by Terror Squad, Fat Joe and Remy Ma above.
See Coronavirus controversy: Why isn’t ‘The Masked Singer’ live audience wearing masks for health reasons?
“I love music and I love performing,” Lonzo explained during his unmasked interview with host Nick Cannon. “This kind of brought it all together. And I know my mom watches this so it’s going to definitely put a smile on her face when she sees me.
See Coronavirus controversy: Why isn’t ‘The Masked Singer’ live audience wearing masks for health reasons?
“I love music and I love performing,” Lonzo explained during his unmasked interview with host Nick Cannon. “This kind of brought it all together. And I know my mom watches this so it’s going to definitely put a smile on her face when she sees me.
- 11/19/2020
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Ben Salter, who has worked on shows such as Road Rules, The Simple Life and Khloe and Lamar during over 20 years at Bunim/Murray, is launching production company 72 Steps Media in partnership with Steve Michaels’ Asylum Entertainment Group.
The exec, who was most recently Svp, Development at the Banijay-owned production company, will develop and produce non-scripted shows via the business.
This comes after Michaels formed Asylum Entertainment Group, under whose banner his The Content Group sits, last year. In 2003, Michaels launched Asylum Entertainment, which he sold to Legendary in 2014. Last year, he bought back Asylum and launched a new company, The Content Group, using the Asylum slate, staff and infrastructure.
It is the latest deal for Michaels’ group following a Jv with former Sony exec Derek Stoops for drama label Clovis Entertainment, the launch of audio company Audity and the acquisition of Collins Avenue from Kew Media as well...
The exec, who was most recently Svp, Development at the Banijay-owned production company, will develop and produce non-scripted shows via the business.
This comes after Michaels formed Asylum Entertainment Group, under whose banner his The Content Group sits, last year. In 2003, Michaels launched Asylum Entertainment, which he sold to Legendary in 2014. Last year, he bought back Asylum and launched a new company, The Content Group, using the Asylum slate, staff and infrastructure.
It is the latest deal for Michaels’ group following a Jv with former Sony exec Derek Stoops for drama label Clovis Entertainment, the launch of audio company Audity and the acquisition of Collins Avenue from Kew Media as well...
- 5/18/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Chicago Cubs had a Billy goat. The Boston Red Sox had the Curse of the Bambino.
And now the Los Angeles Lakers have media personality Lavar Ball joining the lineup of great sports curses, as the volatile Ball has guaranteed the fabled basketball team will never win another championship because of their treatment of his sons.
The Lakers brought the Curse of Lavar Ball upon themselves on Saturday, trading his son, Lonzo Ball, to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a package for Anthony Davis. Los Angeles area native Lonzo heads to the Big Easy with Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and several No. 1 draft picks.
“It will be the worst the move the Lakers ever did in their life, and they will never win another championship,” said Lavar Ball, who spoke to ESPN as he watched another son, Lamelo, play in a pro-am league game. “Guarantee it. They’re going to regret it.
And now the Los Angeles Lakers have media personality Lavar Ball joining the lineup of great sports curses, as the volatile Ball has guaranteed the fabled basketball team will never win another championship because of their treatment of his sons.
The Lakers brought the Curse of Lavar Ball upon themselves on Saturday, trading his son, Lonzo Ball, to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a package for Anthony Davis. Los Angeles area native Lonzo heads to the Big Easy with Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and several No. 1 draft picks.
“It will be the worst the move the Lakers ever did in their life, and they will never win another championship,” said Lavar Ball, who spoke to ESPN as he watched another son, Lamelo, play in a pro-am league game. “Guarantee it. They’re going to regret it.
- 6/16/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Lavar Ball had ominous words for the Los Angeles Lakers following the news that the team had traded his son, Lonzo, to the New Orleans Pelicans: no more rings.
Earlier Saturday, the Lakers reached a deal with the Pelicans to acquire center Anthony Davis with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart heading to New Orleans, and also agreeing to give the Pelicans three first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 selection in this year’s draft, which takes place next week in Brooklyn. Damn.
Caught on camera shortly after the news broke, Ball said e that “Lonzo works good with anybody so it’s not a big deal.” But then he did his best to slap a curse on the 16-time NBA champions. “I guarantee,” he said, “it will be the worst move the Lakers ever did in their life and they will never win another championship. Guarantee it.”
Also...
Earlier Saturday, the Lakers reached a deal with the Pelicans to acquire center Anthony Davis with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart heading to New Orleans, and also agreeing to give the Pelicans three first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 selection in this year’s draft, which takes place next week in Brooklyn. Damn.
Caught on camera shortly after the news broke, Ball said e that “Lonzo works good with anybody so it’s not a big deal.” But then he did his best to slap a curse on the 16-time NBA champions. “I guarantee,” he said, “it will be the worst move the Lakers ever did in their life and they will never win another championship. Guarantee it.”
Also...
- 6/16/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Facebook Watch Summer-Fall 2019 TV Schedule and Premiere Dates
Facebook Watch has released their 2019 schedule and premiere dates for their primetime streaming television shows.
Facebook Watch Summer-Fall 2019 TV Schedule for New and Returning Series
July 16
Human Discoveries (series premiere)
August 5
Five Points (Season 2)
August 11
Curse of Akakor (series premiere)
August 18
Ball in the Family (Season 5)
August 20
Huda [...]
Continue reading: Facebook Watch Summer-Fall 2019 TV Schedule & Premiere Dates: Ball In The Family, Five Points, The Birch, & More
The post Facebook Watch Summer-Fall 2019 TV Schedule & Premiere Dates: Ball In The Family, Five Points, The Birch, & More appeared first on FilmBook.
Facebook Watch has released their 2019 schedule and premiere dates for their primetime streaming television shows.
Facebook Watch Summer-Fall 2019 TV Schedule for New and Returning Series
July 16
Human Discoveries (series premiere)
August 5
Five Points (Season 2)
August 11
Curse of Akakor (series premiere)
August 18
Ball in the Family (Season 5)
August 20
Huda [...]
Continue reading: Facebook Watch Summer-Fall 2019 TV Schedule & Premiere Dates: Ball In The Family, Five Points, The Birch, & More
The post Facebook Watch Summer-Fall 2019 TV Schedule & Premiere Dates: Ball In The Family, Five Points, The Birch, & More appeared first on FilmBook.
- 6/13/2019
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Leigh Shaw’s complicated grieving process will continue this fall: The Facebook Watch drama Sorry for Your Loss will be back on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
During Season 1, the Elizabeth Olsen-led series launched with four episodes before rolling out on a two-per-week basis. It’s not yet clear if Season 2 will follow a similar strategy, or if multiple installments will be available on the premiere date.
Recently named one of TVLine’s Dream Emmy Nominees for Outstanding Drama Series, Sorry for Your Loss stars Olsen as Leigh, a young woman whose life and relationships are upended after the unexpected death of her husband.
During Season 1, the Elizabeth Olsen-led series launched with four episodes before rolling out on a two-per-week basis. It’s not yet clear if Season 2 will follow a similar strategy, or if multiple installments will be available on the premiere date.
Recently named one of TVLine’s Dream Emmy Nominees for Outstanding Drama Series, Sorry for Your Loss stars Olsen as Leigh, a young woman whose life and relationships are upended after the unexpected death of her husband.
- 6/12/2019
- TVLine.com
Facebook Watch has announced its programming slate for summer and fall and set premiere dates, including the new toon comedy Human Discoveries, featuring Zac Efron and Anna Kendrick, and Limetown, the podcast-turned-series starring Jessica Biel
Also among the four new series and five returning shows getting dates are the Elizabeth Olsen dark comedy Sorry for Your Loss and the Kerry Washington-led drama Five Points, both of which will be their second seasons. See the full list of premieres below.
Facebook Watch boasts 720 million monthly and 140 million daily users who spend at least a minute on the video platform, spending 26-plus minutes on average. It said last month that MTV’sThe Real World, its reboot of the seminal reality series, will bow in June 13.
Here are the new premiere dates for Facebook Watch series through mid-October:
July 16
Human Discoveries (series premiere)
August 5
Five Points (Season 2)
August 11
Curse of Akakor (series...
Also among the four new series and five returning shows getting dates are the Elizabeth Olsen dark comedy Sorry for Your Loss and the Kerry Washington-led drama Five Points, both of which will be their second seasons. See the full list of premieres below.
Facebook Watch boasts 720 million monthly and 140 million daily users who spend at least a minute on the video platform, spending 26-plus minutes on average. It said last month that MTV’sThe Real World, its reboot of the seminal reality series, will bow in June 13.
Here are the new premiere dates for Facebook Watch series through mid-October:
July 16
Human Discoveries (series premiere)
August 5
Five Points (Season 2)
August 11
Curse of Akakor (series...
- 6/11/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Sorry for Your Loss and Sacred Lies are getting second seasons on Facebook's Watch video platform.
The scripted half-hours are among a slate of renewals at the social media giant. Also getting second seasons are the unscripted series Huda Boss starring Huda Kattan and the Kerry Washington-produced mid-form drama series Five Points.
Series that debuted earlier in the lifespan of 16-month-old Watch — the unscripted series Ball in the Family and Returning the Favor — have already returned with new seasons. Meanwhile, the teen drama Skam Austin was renewed in July. Queen America, the Catherine Zeta-Jones starrer that Facebook debuted in November, has yet to ...
The scripted half-hours are among a slate of renewals at the social media giant. Also getting second seasons are the unscripted series Huda Boss starring Huda Kattan and the Kerry Washington-produced mid-form drama series Five Points.
Series that debuted earlier in the lifespan of 16-month-old Watch — the unscripted series Ball in the Family and Returning the Favor — have already returned with new seasons. Meanwhile, the teen drama Skam Austin was renewed in July. Queen America, the Catherine Zeta-Jones starrer that Facebook debuted in November, has yet to ...
- 12/13/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Lavar Ball has offered to coach the Los Angeles Lakers, according to an interview, a job he claims he can do with his eyes closed.
The voluble and controversial Ball, who stars in his own Facebook series, Ball in the Family, and runs the Big Baller League and shoe brand, is again taking shots at current Lakers coach Luke Walton, who reportedly was recently called on the carpet by Lakers executive Magic Johnson for the team’s slow start after adding LeBron James and a strong supporting cast.
While the Lakers and LeBron have downplayed the Walton/Johnson chat, Lavar Ball isn’t giving Walton a pass. As he did last year when he claimed Walton had lost the team, he’s predictably touting the answer to the Lakers woes as more playing time for his son, Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball.
“They’re starting off a little ragged because,...
The voluble and controversial Ball, who stars in his own Facebook series, Ball in the Family, and runs the Big Baller League and shoe brand, is again taking shots at current Lakers coach Luke Walton, who reportedly was recently called on the carpet by Lakers executive Magic Johnson for the team’s slow start after adding LeBron James and a strong supporting cast.
While the Lakers and LeBron have downplayed the Walton/Johnson chat, Lavar Ball isn’t giving Walton a pass. As he did last year when he claimed Walton had lost the team, he’s predictably touting the answer to the Lakers woes as more playing time for his son, Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball.
“They’re starting off a little ragged because,...
- 11/4/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
A year after legendary MTV reality series “The Real World” ended its run, the cable network is resurrecting the franchise — but not for its own air. Instead, “MTV’s The Real World” is being reworked as a revival for Facebook Watch, which will premiere the new edition in Spring 2019.
Actually, make that three all-new editions: Facebook Watch will simultaneously run original productions of “MTV’s The Real World” set in the United States, Mexico, and Thailand.
“MTV’s The Real World” may be the most visible example yet of how legacy programmers like MTV are aiming to remain relevant by targeting consumers where they reside — including social media. Taking such an established brand like “The Real World” and sharing it with a competitor like Facebook may seem unusual, but it’s also an opportunity for MTV to spread its brand to other platforms. And it’s not unlike the traditional...
Actually, make that three all-new editions: Facebook Watch will simultaneously run original productions of “MTV’s The Real World” set in the United States, Mexico, and Thailand.
“MTV’s The Real World” may be the most visible example yet of how legacy programmers like MTV are aiming to remain relevant by targeting consumers where they reside — including social media. Taking such an established brand like “The Real World” and sharing it with a competitor like Facebook may seem unusual, but it’s also an opportunity for MTV to spread its brand to other platforms. And it’s not unlike the traditional...
- 10/17/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Bunim/Murray Productions has partnered with NFL star Russell Wilson and his West2East Empire to develop and produce unscripted programming for various platforms.
As part of the joint venture between Wilson and the Banijay Group company, he will executive produce a U.S. version of a Banijay Group celebrity adventure format. Airing on TF1 in France, L’aventure Robinson features two celebrities stranded on a desert island for five days. The show’s first installment in 2017 topped its competitors on the night, improving its slot by 30%. A second special aired earlier this month.
Entering his seventh season as the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013, becoming the fourth quarterback in history to win a Super Bowl in his second season. Wilson also has launched a number of successful entrepreneurial ventures, including the Good Man Brand,...
As part of the joint venture between Wilson and the Banijay Group company, he will executive produce a U.S. version of a Banijay Group celebrity adventure format. Airing on TF1 in France, L’aventure Robinson features two celebrities stranded on a desert island for five days. The show’s first installment in 2017 topped its competitors on the night, improving its slot by 30%. A second special aired earlier this month.
Entering his seventh season as the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013, becoming the fourth quarterback in history to win a Super Bowl in his second season. Wilson also has launched a number of successful entrepreneurial ventures, including the Good Man Brand,...
- 8/29/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Facebook is expected to spend between $1 billion and $2 billion on content deals for Facebook Watch over the next year, its video destination for episodic content the social giant launched about one year ago.
But 12 months in, Facebook Watch has an awareness problem. According to a new survey by research firm the Diffusion Group, fully 50% of adult Facebook users in the U.S. said they have never heard of the free Watch video service, while 24% have heard of it but never used it. Another 5% said they’ve used Facebook Watch — but not recently.
Just 6% of respondents said they use Facebook Watch at least daily, while 8% use the service weekly and 7% have watched shows once or twice per month. The results are based on Tdg’s survey of 1,632 U.S. adult Facebook users conducted in May 2018.
That said, Facebook had 241 million monthly active users in the U.S. and Canada for the...
But 12 months in, Facebook Watch has an awareness problem. According to a new survey by research firm the Diffusion Group, fully 50% of adult Facebook users in the U.S. said they have never heard of the free Watch video service, while 24% have heard of it but never used it. Another 5% said they’ve used Facebook Watch — but not recently.
Just 6% of respondents said they use Facebook Watch at least daily, while 8% use the service weekly and 7% have watched shows once or twice per month. The results are based on Tdg’s survey of 1,632 U.S. adult Facebook users conducted in May 2018.
That said, Facebook had 241 million monthly active users in the U.S. and Canada for the...
- 8/22/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In their TCA debut, Facebook executives detailed the long road they have to be on to join the ranks of the Netflixes and even AMCs of the original TV game.
“Our breakouts may look different than what you would expect from other platforms,” said Fidji Simo, vice president of product. “We’re not going for big prestige TV drama.” The social media giant is joining an ever-growing field of content distributors, having launched Facebook Watch a year ago.
“It takes a show that breaks through and becomes part of the cultural zeitgeist,” added Ricky Van Veen, head of global creative strategy, on what’s going to get Facebook Watch the same respect of an AMC or HBO. He mentioned noted basketball-dad Lavar Ball, who produces “Ball in the Family” and their Tom Brady docuseries have already broken through a bit.
Also Read: 'Skam Austin' Gets Second Season on...
“Our breakouts may look different than what you would expect from other platforms,” said Fidji Simo, vice president of product. “We’re not going for big prestige TV drama.” The social media giant is joining an ever-growing field of content distributors, having launched Facebook Watch a year ago.
“It takes a show that breaks through and becomes part of the cultural zeitgeist,” added Ricky Van Veen, head of global creative strategy, on what’s going to get Facebook Watch the same respect of an AMC or HBO. He mentioned noted basketball-dad Lavar Ball, who produces “Ball in the Family” and their Tom Brady docuseries have already broken through a bit.
Also Read: 'Skam Austin' Gets Second Season on...
- 7/25/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
“Skam Austin,” the realistic teen drama following the lives of several Texas teenagers, has been renewed for a second season on Facebook Watch, the company announced at the TCA Summer Press Tour on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
The series, which takes its name from the lauded Norwegian series “Skam” (or “shame” in English) follows four unpopular girls from an Austin, Texas dance team as they deal with a myriad of issues: school cliques, having sex for the first time, racism, and balancing high school friendships. The first episode of the series, launched in April, attracted 14 million views.
Fidji Simo, Facebook’s VP of product, and Ricky Van Veen, Facebook’s head of global creative strategy, made the announcement on Wednesday.
The second season will continue the show’s experimental sharing of content, with “Skam Austin” characters posting Instagram pictures in...
The series, which takes its name from the lauded Norwegian series “Skam” (or “shame” in English) follows four unpopular girls from an Austin, Texas dance team as they deal with a myriad of issues: school cliques, having sex for the first time, racism, and balancing high school friendships. The first episode of the series, launched in April, attracted 14 million views.
Fidji Simo, Facebook’s VP of product, and Ricky Van Veen, Facebook’s head of global creative strategy, made the announcement on Wednesday.
The second season will continue the show’s experimental sharing of content, with “Skam Austin” characters posting Instagram pictures in...
- 7/25/2018
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
In what would be one of its biggest programming splashes yet, Facebook Watch is in talks with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for a reality series about his day-to-day life, Deadline has confirmed.
The planned 13-episode series would add to the sports lineup at Facebook Watch, which already distributes the basketball-themed Ball in the Family and Tom Brady close-up Tom vs. Time. While the social media giant has not disclosed viewership data, the strong promotional hooks and manageable production requirements of sports shows make them well-suited to a platform like Facebook.
In May, Watch boarded a scripted soccer drama with Ronaldo attached as an executive producer. That show comes with a series commitment and its other producers include the co-creators of Memphis Beat and former ABC programming chief Paul Lee’s independent studio, wiip.
A forward for both Real Madrid and the Portugal national team, Ronaldo is widely regarded as one...
The planned 13-episode series would add to the sports lineup at Facebook Watch, which already distributes the basketball-themed Ball in the Family and Tom Brady close-up Tom vs. Time. While the social media giant has not disclosed viewership data, the strong promotional hooks and manageable production requirements of sports shows make them well-suited to a platform like Facebook.
In May, Watch boarded a scripted soccer drama with Ronaldo attached as an executive producer. That show comes with a series commitment and its other producers include the co-creators of Memphis Beat and former ABC programming chief Paul Lee’s independent studio, wiip.
A forward for both Real Madrid and the Portugal national team, Ronaldo is widely regarded as one...
- 7/5/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Facebook is in discussions for what could be its biggest original series deal to date: a reality show about global soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Variety has learned.
The social giant is in talks to bring the Ronaldo docu-series to Facebook Watch, its video platform for TV-style content, according to multiple sources. Facebook is prepped to invest substantial coin in the project: The Portuguese footballer could get a paycheck of around $10 million for the 13-episode show, sources say.
CAA is packaging the series, to be produced by Matador Content and Religion of Sports, a sports-media firm founded by Gotham Chopra, Michael Strahan, Tom Brady and production company Dirty Robber. Sources differed on how advanced the negotiations are; one said a deal is close to being finalized while another characterized the talks as nascent.
Reps for Facebook, CAA and Religion of Sports declined to comment. Matador founder and CEO Jay Peterson did...
The social giant is in talks to bring the Ronaldo docu-series to Facebook Watch, its video platform for TV-style content, according to multiple sources. Facebook is prepped to invest substantial coin in the project: The Portuguese footballer could get a paycheck of around $10 million for the 13-episode show, sources say.
CAA is packaging the series, to be produced by Matador Content and Religion of Sports, a sports-media firm founded by Gotham Chopra, Michael Strahan, Tom Brady and production company Dirty Robber. Sources differed on how advanced the negotiations are; one said a deal is close to being finalized while another characterized the talks as nascent.
Reps for Facebook, CAA and Religion of Sports declined to comment. Matador founder and CEO Jay Peterson did...
- 7/5/2018
- by Todd Spangler and Andrew Wallenstein
- Variety Film + TV
Facebook keeps throwing more money at original entertainment, news and sports video content. But it’s still unclear how successful the tech giant’s strategy will prove or how well it’s performed overall so far.
Analysts expect Facebook to plunk down at least $1 billion — and as much as twice that — over the next 12 months. The company’s goal is to turn Facebook Watch, its interactive video destination already launched in the U.S., into a TV-like habit for its massive user base and their friends. And, execs hope, that will land the platform TV-like ad bucks.
Facebook has ordered a batch of exclusive news programs, fully funded by the company, from partners including ABC News, CNN, Fox News Channel and Univision and slated them to go live this summer. Part of the strategy is to atone for Facebook’s “fake news” controversies by bringing in shows featuring well-known personalities...
Analysts expect Facebook to plunk down at least $1 billion — and as much as twice that — over the next 12 months. The company’s goal is to turn Facebook Watch, its interactive video destination already launched in the U.S., into a TV-like habit for its massive user base and their friends. And, execs hope, that will land the platform TV-like ad bucks.
Facebook has ordered a batch of exclusive news programs, fully funded by the company, from partners including ABC News, CNN, Fox News Channel and Univision and slated them to go live this summer. Part of the strategy is to atone for Facebook’s “fake news” controversies by bringing in shows featuring well-known personalities...
- 6/14/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Huda Kattan, one of the biggest beauty influencers on Instagram, will star in a reality-style series on Facebook Watch, promising an up-close-and-personal look at her life running a global cosmetics brand.
The 10-episode series, “Huda Boss,” will premiere on the video platform June 12 at 9 a.m. Pt on the Facebook Watch page facebook.com/hudabossshow, with subsequent episodes to be released each Tuesday. Facebook is funding the show as part of its strategy to drive viewers to Facebook Watch and attract other content creators.
“Huda Boss” will follow Kattan, the 34-year-old beauty blogger turned CEO of beauty brand Huda Beauty, as she shares the good — and the bad — of what it takes to run a family-owned company. With the help of her sisters, Mona and Alya, as well as her husband Chris, Huda Kattan has grown Dubai-based Huda Beauty into an international cosmetics brand in five years.
In addition to the Facebook Watch show,...
The 10-episode series, “Huda Boss,” will premiere on the video platform June 12 at 9 a.m. Pt on the Facebook Watch page facebook.com/hudabossshow, with subsequent episodes to be released each Tuesday. Facebook is funding the show as part of its strategy to drive viewers to Facebook Watch and attract other content creators.
“Huda Boss” will follow Kattan, the 34-year-old beauty blogger turned CEO of beauty brand Huda Beauty, as she shares the good — and the bad — of what it takes to run a family-owned company. With the help of her sisters, Mona and Alya, as well as her husband Chris, Huda Kattan has grown Dubai-based Huda Beauty into an international cosmetics brand in five years.
In addition to the Facebook Watch show,...
- 5/30/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Lavar, Lonzo, Lamelo and LiAngelo are officially back in L.A. from Lithuania -- but it ain't exactly the triumphant return they envisioned when they left in the first place. As we previously reported, Lavar just announced 'Gelo & 'Melo wouldn't be continuing their seasons overseas, citing injuries and disagreements with the coaches. The boys are back now ... and even though the cameras from their "Ball In The Family" reality show were shooting, the guys weren't...
- 5/1/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Lonzo Ball’s pregnant Gf is starting to show in a Big way -- but that ain't stoppin' her from slaying the Gram! TMZ Sports broke the story ... Lonzo's high school sweatheart, Denise Garcia, got a Ball in the oven late last year, and they're expecting a baby girl in July. Now, with Denise in Month 6 of her pregnancy, her body is still bangin' ... and she's showing it off in a tiny string bikini. Lonzo...
- 4/19/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
It looks like a fair amount of people are checking out Lavar Ball on Facebook. Facebook’s Watch — its budding video platform — is off to a strong start, according to a new study from Morgan Stanley. Forty percent of Facebook users check out clips on a weekly basis, according to analysts Brian Nowak and Ben Swinburne. Watch launched last August, with the social network streaming hundreds of shows — including content from A&E, Vox, Thrillist, and debuting shows like “Ball in the Family,” following around Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball and his zany family. And Facebook — often more associated with an...
- 1/19/2018
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
One of the first flagship series announced by Facebook earlier this year to inaugurate its new video platform, Watch, was Loosely Exactly Nicole -- a half-hour comedy starring actress-comedian Nicole Byer that originally aired on MTV in 2016. The first episode of Loosely Exactly Nicole, which bowed on Watch on Aug. 30, clocked a staggering 13.3 million views. Nine subsequent installments garnered roughly 200,000 hits apiece, and the show currently counts 246,000 followers.
Facebook previously confirmed that Loosely Exactly Nicole is set to return for a second season alongside other hero shows like Lavar Ball’s Ball In The Family, Mike Rowe's Returning The Favor (which returned today with a holiday special), and the Refinery29-produced scripted comedy Strangers. And now, Facebook has released the trailer for season two of Loosely before the premiere of episode one tomorrow.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
Facebook previously confirmed that Loosely Exactly Nicole is set to return for a second season alongside other hero shows like Lavar Ball’s Ball In The Family, Mike Rowe's Returning The Favor (which returned today with a holiday special), and the Refinery29-produced scripted comedy Strangers. And now, Facebook has released the trailer for season two of Loosely before the premiere of episode one tomorrow.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 12/19/2017
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
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