Just a few moments ago, the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Award nominations were revealed to the public, continuing on with Phase One of the awards season. This precursor marks another new point in the race, as many of these movies nominated today will be contending for Oscar attention as well. Removed from the Academy Award race though, this is just a great precursor because of what it nominates. The films are small in budget and often need a leg up, so this is a spotlight on what the viewing public should be searching out in theaters and at home on Blu-Ray or VOD. Congrats to the nominees and read on to see who and what they were… You’ll see all of the nominees below, but as you’ll be able to tell, it appears to be a race between Call Me By Your Name, The Florida Project, Get Out, and Lady Bird,...
- 11/21/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
– IFC Films has acquired the U.S rights to director Jamie M. Dagg’s thriller “Sweet Virginia,” starring Jon Bernthal, Christopher Abbott, Imogen Poots, Rosemarie DeWitt and Odessa Young. The film, which premiered at the recent Tribeca Film Festival, was written by Ben and Paul China from their Black List script, and was produced by Brian Kavanaugh-Jones for Automatik, Chris Ferguson for Oddfellows and Fernando Loureiro and Roberto Vasconcellos for Exhibit, who also financed.
Read More: Film Acquisition Rundown: Focus Features Picks Up ‘Tully,’ Electric Entertainment Buys ‘Lbj’ and More
Xyz Films is currently handling international sales and will screen the film at the upcoming Marché du Film at Cannes. “Sweet Virginia” is a riveting thriller that...
– IFC Films has acquired the U.S rights to director Jamie M. Dagg’s thriller “Sweet Virginia,” starring Jon Bernthal, Christopher Abbott, Imogen Poots, Rosemarie DeWitt and Odessa Young. The film, which premiered at the recent Tribeca Film Festival, was written by Ben and Paul China from their Black List script, and was produced by Brian Kavanaugh-Jones for Automatik, Chris Ferguson for Oddfellows and Fernando Loureiro and Roberto Vasconcellos for Exhibit, who also financed.
Read More: Film Acquisition Rundown: Focus Features Picks Up ‘Tully,’ Electric Entertainment Buys ‘Lbj’ and More
Xyz Films is currently handling international sales and will screen the film at the upcoming Marché du Film at Cannes. “Sweet Virginia” is a riveting thriller that...
- 5/12/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to the “Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower,” which premiered Friday in the Sundance Film Festival’s World Documentaries section. Directed by Joe Piscatella, the film will premiere on the streaming service later this year.
“Joshua” focuses on a teenager named Joshua Wong who rallies thousands of kids to skip school and occupy the streets when the Chinese Communist Party threatens its promise of autonomy to Hong Kong. Wong becomes an unlikely leader in Hong Kong and one of China’s most notorious dissidents.
“Piscatella has woven together the complex and inspirational story of an unlikely activist, whose acts of bravery and conviction need to be seen around the world,” Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentaries, said in a statement. “In an era where we are witnessing heightened civic participation and freedom of expression, we are pleased to offer a global platform for audiences to engage on these issues.
“Joshua” focuses on a teenager named Joshua Wong who rallies thousands of kids to skip school and occupy the streets when the Chinese Communist Party threatens its promise of autonomy to Hong Kong. Wong becomes an unlikely leader in Hong Kong and one of China’s most notorious dissidents.
“Piscatella has woven together the complex and inspirational story of an unlikely activist, whose acts of bravery and conviction need to be seen around the world,” Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentaries, said in a statement. “In an era where we are witnessing heightened civic participation and freedom of expression, we are pleased to offer a global platform for audiences to engage on these issues.
- 1/24/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Footage from an aerial drone operated by Gatlinburg, Tennessee, resident Andrew Duncan, shows the devastation resulting from nearby wildfires.
“There were cars left in ditches where people wrecked them trying to escape,” he told CNN Thursday. “Small fires are still burning within the structures, and those that did burn appeared to be total losses. We didn’t see any partially burned structures.”
Officials have confirmed 13 deaths since the fires began. They are also estimating 700 impacted structures and more than 17,000 acres burned.
Among the victims of the fires are Jon and Janet Summers, a Memphis couple who was vacationing with their...
“There were cars left in ditches where people wrecked them trying to escape,” he told CNN Thursday. “Small fires are still burning within the structures, and those that did burn appeared to be total losses. We didn’t see any partially burned structures.”
Officials have confirmed 13 deaths since the fires began. They are also estimating 700 impacted structures and more than 17,000 acres burned.
Among the victims of the fires are Jon and Janet Summers, a Memphis couple who was vacationing with their...
- 12/2/2016
- by caitlinkeating89
- PEOPLE.com
The Neon Demon
A bunch of new stills are out from "Drive" director Nicolas Winding Refn's latest feature "The Neon Demon" which premieres during the Cannes Film Festival next summer. Elle Fanning, Karl Glusman, Bella Heathcote, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Desmond Harrington, Christina Hendricks, and Keanu Reeves all star in the horror tale about an aspiring L.A. model who finds her youth and beauty the envy of the beauty-obsessed women around her. [Source: The Film Stage]
Zootopia
Disney Pictures has announced a June 7th Blu-ray, DVD and VOD release date for "Zootopia," their animated feature that has proven a smash with both audiences and critics - taking in $910 million at the global box office to date along with a stunning 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Cotton Club
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has revealed to the The Associated Press that has gone back and put together a longer cut of his 1984 film "The Cotton Club...
A bunch of new stills are out from "Drive" director Nicolas Winding Refn's latest feature "The Neon Demon" which premieres during the Cannes Film Festival next summer. Elle Fanning, Karl Glusman, Bella Heathcote, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Desmond Harrington, Christina Hendricks, and Keanu Reeves all star in the horror tale about an aspiring L.A. model who finds her youth and beauty the envy of the beauty-obsessed women around her. [Source: The Film Stage]
Zootopia
Disney Pictures has announced a June 7th Blu-ray, DVD and VOD release date for "Zootopia," their animated feature that has proven a smash with both audiences and critics - taking in $910 million at the global box office to date along with a stunning 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Cotton Club
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has revealed to the The Associated Press that has gone back and put together a longer cut of his 1984 film "The Cotton Club...
- 4/30/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: June Pictures has come aboard to produce and finance Sean Baker's The Florida Project, the writer-director’s follow-up feature to his awards-season hit Tangerine. It is the second film attached to Andrew Duncan and Alex Saks’ production outfit June Pictures, which recently launched to finance and produce features and documentaries, feature-length narrative and documentary films. ICM Partners reps Baker and domestic rights to the pic. Saks exited as an agent at I…...
- 4/19/2016
- Deadline
Exclusive: Alex Saks has left ICM Partners to become president of June Pictures, which she’ll run with CEO Andrew Duncan. Saks spent the past four years as an agent in the Independent and International Department at ICM Partners, and Duncan is a former client. June Pictures will finance and produce features and documentaries, feature-length narrative and documentary films. The company already has a movie to put its logo on: It recently finished production on Dude, an…...
- 2/25/2016
- Deadline
Ok Go - Upside Down & Inside Out
Hello, Dear Ones. Please enjoy our new video for "Upside Down & Inside Out". A million thanks to S7 Airlines. #GravitysJustAHabit
Posted by Ok Go on Thursday, February 11, 2016
"Gravity's just a habit that you’re really sure you can’t break." – Ok Go
Ok Go is an American alternative rock band originally from Chicago, Illinois, but now based in Los Angeles, California. The band is composed of Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind, Dan Konopka and Andy Ross, who joined them in 2005, replacing Andy Duncan.
Hello, Dear Ones. Please enjoy our new video for "Upside Down & Inside Out". A million thanks to S7 Airlines. #GravitysJustAHabit
Posted by Ok Go on Thursday, February 11, 2016
"Gravity's just a habit that you’re really sure you can’t break." – Ok Go
Ok Go is an American alternative rock band originally from Chicago, Illinois, but now based in Los Angeles, California. The band is composed of Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind, Dan Konopka and Andy Ross, who joined them in 2005, replacing Andy Duncan.
- 2/12/2016
- by webmaster
- www.culturecatch.com
'X Factor' fans have slammed the show for ''killing'' it with extended back stories. Viewers are said to be unhappy with the new format, which sees performers featured in lengthy slots discussing their everyday lives - with tonight's (01.09.12) episode containing just five full auditions and just eight minutes in total of people singing. One fan posted online: ''The problem is the one audition part. It's all the c****y filler and 'Towie'-style rubbish that's making the show drag. ''It's the X Factor's own editing team that's killing off the show, not ITV.'' Andrew Duncan added: ''The back stories are beyond ridiculous now. ITV need...
- 8/30/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Yesterday, the Canadian Academy released its list of nominees for the 26th Gemini Awards, the Canadian equivalent of the Emmy Awards.
Best Animated Program or Series
* Glenn Martin Dds
* Hot Wheels - Battle Force Five
* Jimmy Two Shoes
* Kids vs. Kat
* March of the Dinosaurs
Best Children's or Youth Fiction Program or Series
* Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock
* Degrassi: The Next Generation
* How to be Indie
* That's So Weird
* Vacation with Derek
Best Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Program Series
* Artzooka!
* In Real Life
* Spelling Night in Canada: Canspell 2011
* Survive This
* TVOKids - Mark's Moments
Best Comedy Program or Series
* This Hour Has 22 Minutes
* Call Me Fitz
* Good Dog
* Halifax Comedy Fest 2010
* Living in Your Car
* Rick Mercer Report
Best Dramatic Mini-Series or TV Movie
* Fakers
* The Kennedys
* My Babysitter's a Vampire.
* The Pillars of the Earth
* Sleepyhead
Best Dramatic Series
* The Borgias
* Endgame
* Flashpoint
* Skins
* The Tudors...
Best Animated Program or Series
* Glenn Martin Dds
* Hot Wheels - Battle Force Five
* Jimmy Two Shoes
* Kids vs. Kat
* March of the Dinosaurs
Best Children's or Youth Fiction Program or Series
* Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock
* Degrassi: The Next Generation
* How to be Indie
* That's So Weird
* Vacation with Derek
Best Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Program Series
* Artzooka!
* In Real Life
* Spelling Night in Canada: Canspell 2011
* Survive This
* TVOKids - Mark's Moments
Best Comedy Program or Series
* This Hour Has 22 Minutes
* Call Me Fitz
* Good Dog
* Halifax Comedy Fest 2010
* Living in Your Car
* Rick Mercer Report
Best Dramatic Mini-Series or TV Movie
* Fakers
* The Kennedys
* My Babysitter's a Vampire.
* The Pillars of the Earth
* Sleepyhead
Best Dramatic Series
* The Borgias
* Endgame
* Flashpoint
* Skins
* The Tudors...
- 8/4/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
London -- Channel 4 said Wednesday that group revenues fell by 8.5% to £833 million ($1.2 million) in 2009, driven by a significant softening in the U.K. advertising market last year that hit its main channel hard.
But the broadcaster behind such hit shows as "Big Brother," and "Skins," reported operating profit up marginally at £4 million ($6 million) compared to losses of £500,000 ($746,000) in the previous financial year.
Revenues at the core channel decreased by £94 million ($140 million) to £575 million ($858 million) and the network posted an overall operating loss of £60 million ($90 million) more than double its losses in 2008.
Channel 4's digital channel business, which includes such brands as E4, More4 and FilmFour, managed to claw back some of the losses, however, delivering revenues up 8% at £181 million ($270 million) and overall operating profits of £54 million ($81 million).
During the year the broadcast group cut its headcount by 23% to 696 and cut its program budget by 8% to £548 million ($819 million).
Year-on-year...
But the broadcaster behind such hit shows as "Big Brother," and "Skins," reported operating profit up marginally at £4 million ($6 million) compared to losses of £500,000 ($746,000) in the previous financial year.
Revenues at the core channel decreased by £94 million ($140 million) to £575 million ($858 million) and the network posted an overall operating loss of £60 million ($90 million) more than double its losses in 2008.
Channel 4's digital channel business, which includes such brands as E4, More4 and FilmFour, managed to claw back some of the losses, however, delivering revenues up 8% at £181 million ($270 million) and overall operating profits of £54 million ($81 million).
During the year the broadcast group cut its headcount by 23% to 696 and cut its program budget by 8% to £548 million ($819 million).
Year-on-year...
- 6/23/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London - Channel 4 has announced the appointment of David Abraham, 46, as its new Chief Executive. Abraham, who is currently Chief Executive of leading multi-channel digital broadcaster UKTV, will take up his new post at a date to be confirmed. He replaces Andy Duncan, who stepped down in November last year. Lord Burns, Channel 4’s Chairman, said: "The board spoke to a number of other candidates and considered many more as part of a very thorough process and we’re convinced that, in David, we have identified a creative manager of the highest quality. He has a track record of success [...]...
- 1/25/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline Hollywood
London -- Channel 4 has named UKTV chief executive and former Discovery Europe head of networks David Abraham to be its new chief executive.
The appointment comes from a shortlist thought to include Channel 4's director of programming Kevin Lygo, former BBC2 controller Jane Root and Talkback Thames chief executive Lorraine Heggessey.
Abraham -- who has successfully re-branded such UKTV channels as Dave, Blighty, Alibi and Yesterday since joining the BBC/Virgin Media library channel joint venture in 2007 -- is a surprise choice to lead the government-owned broadcaster, since he lacks both the public service programming credentials and production and commissioning background that a number of the other candidates had.
But he was described as "outstanding" by incoming Channel 4 chairman Terry Burns, who said Abraham -- who comes from an advertising background -- was a talented creative and commercial manager.
"David is a rare commodity as a broadcaster in that he...
The appointment comes from a shortlist thought to include Channel 4's director of programming Kevin Lygo, former BBC2 controller Jane Root and Talkback Thames chief executive Lorraine Heggessey.
Abraham -- who has successfully re-branded such UKTV channels as Dave, Blighty, Alibi and Yesterday since joining the BBC/Virgin Media library channel joint venture in 2007 -- is a surprise choice to lead the government-owned broadcaster, since he lacks both the public service programming credentials and production and commissioning background that a number of the other candidates had.
But he was described as "outstanding" by incoming Channel 4 chairman Terry Burns, who said Abraham -- who comes from an advertising background -- was a talented creative and commercial manager.
"David is a rare commodity as a broadcaster in that he...
- 1/22/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Former government mandarin and chairman of Abbey National Terry Burns has been appointed Channel 4 chairman, it was announced Thursday by media regulator Ofcom.
Burns, who has never run, or worked for, a media company, will replace outgoing chairman Luke Johnson who leaves at the end of the year, taking up the post of chairman designate of the publicly-owned broadcaster with immediate effect.
Burns will face the immediate task of hiring a replacement for outgoing Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan and negotiating a slew of commercial deals with partners including BBC Worldwide.
Burns, who was chief economic advisor and permanent secretary to the Treasury in the late nineties, also advised the then culture secretary Tessa Jowell on a review of the BBC's Charter five years ago.
He was chosen ahead of a slew of senior media industry figures thought to have interviewed for the job, including former BBC director general Greg Dyke,...
Burns, who has never run, or worked for, a media company, will replace outgoing chairman Luke Johnson who leaves at the end of the year, taking up the post of chairman designate of the publicly-owned broadcaster with immediate effect.
Burns will face the immediate task of hiring a replacement for outgoing Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan and negotiating a slew of commercial deals with partners including BBC Worldwide.
Burns, who was chief economic advisor and permanent secretary to the Treasury in the late nineties, also advised the then culture secretary Tessa Jowell on a review of the BBC's Charter five years ago.
He was chosen ahead of a slew of senior media industry figures thought to have interviewed for the job, including former BBC director general Greg Dyke,...
- 11/5/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- YouTube and Britain's Channel 4 said Thursday they had signed a "pioneering long-form content deal" to put all Channel's on-demand catch up shows on YouTube shortly after transmission, the first time any broadcaster in the world has made its comprehensive catch-up content freely available on the Google-owned video platform.
Under the terms of the strategic partnership, Channel 4 will make its video-on-demand catch-up service available via YouTube shortly after television transmission, including such shows as "Skins," "Hollyoaks," "The Inbetweeners" and "Peep Show."
YouTube users will also be able to access around 3,000 hours of full-length programming from the Channel 4 archive, including shows like "Brass Eye," "Derren Brown," "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares," and "Teachers.
Content will begin appearing in the coming months and be fully available in early 2010. All programs will be available only in the U.K., free-of-charge supported by advertising.
Financial terms of the advertising-share deal were not disclosed, but the...
Under the terms of the strategic partnership, Channel 4 will make its video-on-demand catch-up service available via YouTube shortly after television transmission, including such shows as "Skins," "Hollyoaks," "The Inbetweeners" and "Peep Show."
YouTube users will also be able to access around 3,000 hours of full-length programming from the Channel 4 archive, including shows like "Brass Eye," "Derren Brown," "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares," and "Teachers.
Content will begin appearing in the coming months and be fully available in early 2010. All programs will be available only in the U.K., free-of-charge supported by advertising.
Financial terms of the advertising-share deal were not disclosed, but the...
- 10/15/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cambridge -- Media regulation, talent payments and the future direction of the BBC were the focus points emerging from the Royal Television Society biennial Cambridge Conference that wound down Friday.
Frustration with the regulatory environment was a key theme among commercial broadcasters, in the wake of an announcement by the Competition Commission last week that refused to give ITV more freedom over how its sells its advertising inventory.
ITV executive chairman Michael Grade said the market for broadcasters was "way over-regulated," and that was "no way to operate in a fast-moving market," he said.
"We have Competition Commission, we have Ofcom, we have the Office of Fair Trading, we have parliamentary statute -- it takes forever to do anything. This is not the way to run a business."
Channel 4's exiting chief executive Andy Duncan said that broadcasters were stuck in a regulatory infrastructure based on the television industry of...
Frustration with the regulatory environment was a key theme among commercial broadcasters, in the wake of an announcement by the Competition Commission last week that refused to give ITV more freedom over how its sells its advertising inventory.
ITV executive chairman Michael Grade said the market for broadcasters was "way over-regulated," and that was "no way to operate in a fast-moving market," he said.
"We have Competition Commission, we have Ofcom, we have the Office of Fair Trading, we have parliamentary statute -- it takes forever to do anything. This is not the way to run a business."
Channel 4's exiting chief executive Andy Duncan said that broadcasters were stuck in a regulatory infrastructure based on the television industry of...
- 9/18/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London – Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan announced his resignation Wednesday morning, following a board meeting in which he told Channel 4 bosses that he would leave the broadcaster before the year-end.
The move brings to an end Duncan's five-year tenure atop the broadcaster behind such shows as "Death of a President" and multi Oscar winner "Slumdog Millionaire," and marks a likely end to merger talks between Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide that had been under discussion for almost a year.
It also mean that Channel 4 will be without a chairman and a chief executive by the end of the year, when current chairman Luke Johnson steps down, with speculation that ITV director of channels Peter Fincham, Talkback Thames chief executive Lorraine Heggessey, Channel 4 director of programs Kevin Lygo and BBC director of vision Jana Bennett could all pitch for the CEO job.
Duncan, who said that under his watch Channel 4 had "punched...
The move brings to an end Duncan's five-year tenure atop the broadcaster behind such shows as "Death of a President" and multi Oscar winner "Slumdog Millionaire," and marks a likely end to merger talks between Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide that had been under discussion for almost a year.
It also mean that Channel 4 will be without a chairman and a chief executive by the end of the year, when current chairman Luke Johnson steps down, with speculation that ITV director of channels Peter Fincham, Talkback Thames chief executive Lorraine Heggessey, Channel 4 director of programs Kevin Lygo and BBC director of vision Jana Bennett could all pitch for the CEO job.
Duncan, who said that under his watch Channel 4 had "punched...
- 9/16/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- The lofty spires of Kings College Cambridge will play host to a U.K. TV sector in turmoil this week, with the future of Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan in question and the mounting possibility that former BSkyB boss Tony Ball will take over as CEO of ITV set to dominate a three-day conference, at which the future role of the BBC will likely also be put under the microscope.
As the industry's elite gather for the Royal Television Society's biennial policy debate, speculation that Channel 4's Duncan will announce his resignation has been mounting to fever pitch.
As recently as two weeks ago, Duncan told journalists at the Edinburgh Television Festival that he had no plans to quit the broadcaster.
"It is rumor, speculation and gossip...there has been rumor and speculation for the last five years. There is nothing to tell, there has been no board...
As the industry's elite gather for the Royal Television Society's biennial policy debate, speculation that Channel 4's Duncan will announce his resignation has been mounting to fever pitch.
As recently as two weeks ago, Duncan told journalists at the Edinburgh Television Festival that he had no plans to quit the broadcaster.
"It is rumor, speculation and gossip...there has been rumor and speculation for the last five years. There is nothing to tell, there has been no board...
- 9/15/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Edinburgh -- Free-to-air advertising is not coming back any time soon, RTL chief executive Gerhard Zeiler said Saturday, predicting a wave of consolidation across the continent and warning that networks must cut costs, innovate in advertising and develop a pay-tv strategy in order to survive.
His comments came as speculation swirled through the ranks at the Edinburgh International TV Festival that Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan is to step down before the end of the year. Reportedly “agreed in principle,” the departure will likely be announced soon, after months of disagreements on the Channel 4 board about the broadcaster’s future direction.
Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson’s term of office also runs out at the year-end, effectively leaving the broadcaster leaderless until a new team is appointed.
Channel 4 has made no comment on the rumor, but possible candidates could include ITV director of television Peter Fincham, Channel Four director of television...
His comments came as speculation swirled through the ranks at the Edinburgh International TV Festival that Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan is to step down before the end of the year. Reportedly “agreed in principle,” the departure will likely be announced soon, after months of disagreements on the Channel 4 board about the broadcaster’s future direction.
Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson’s term of office also runs out at the year-end, effectively leaving the broadcaster leaderless until a new team is appointed.
Channel 4 has made no comment on the rumor, but possible candidates could include ITV director of television Peter Fincham, Channel Four director of television...
- 8/29/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- The proposed partnership between Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide could have revenues of £800 million ($1.2 billion) a year and profits of £200 million ($304 million) BBC Worldwide chief executive John Smith said Wednesday.
Speaking before a House of Lords select committee, Smith said the venture would see the BBC's commercial arm merge some of its U.K. operations -- including its 50% stake in the UKTV pay TV channels business and its 60% stake in DVD business 2Entertain -- into a jointly-owned and managed company operated by BBC Worldwide and Channel 4.
BBC Worldwide's portfolio of global networks including BBC America, and its international production and program distribution operations would not be involved in the deal.
BBC Worldwide is currently in the process of buying out its current partners in the UKTV and 2Entertain businesses, giving it 100% control of the operations, which could be incorporated alongside such Channel 4 assets as digital channels More4 and...
Speaking before a House of Lords select committee, Smith said the venture would see the BBC's commercial arm merge some of its U.K. operations -- including its 50% stake in the UKTV pay TV channels business and its 60% stake in DVD business 2Entertain -- into a jointly-owned and managed company operated by BBC Worldwide and Channel 4.
BBC Worldwide's portfolio of global networks including BBC America, and its international production and program distribution operations would not be involved in the deal.
BBC Worldwide is currently in the process of buying out its current partners in the UKTV and 2Entertain businesses, giving it 100% control of the operations, which could be incorporated alongside such Channel 4 assets as digital channels More4 and...
- 5/13/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan has slammed the BBC for competing to buy U.S. shows such as "Harper's Island," arguing that the pubcaster should not spend license fee income on U.S. shows.
Speaking before the House of Commons culture select committee, Duncan said that although the broadcaster was pulling out of major primetime acquisitions, it still had room for shows it could air on its digital channels but was losing out to the BBC for program rights.
"I don't understand why any of the license fee is spent on acquisitions," Duncan told an all-party committee of members of parliament.
"The BBC competes against us and ITV for feature films and acquisitions, all of which would appear on British television some other way. If they didn't spend this money, they could spend it on original programming."
"It was a particular disappointment to be outbid by BBC3 on 'Harper's Island,...
Speaking before the House of Commons culture select committee, Duncan said that although the broadcaster was pulling out of major primetime acquisitions, it still had room for shows it could air on its digital channels but was losing out to the BBC for program rights.
"I don't understand why any of the license fee is spent on acquisitions," Duncan told an all-party committee of members of parliament.
"The BBC competes against us and ITV for feature films and acquisitions, all of which would appear on British television some other way. If they didn't spend this money, they could spend it on original programming."
"It was a particular disappointment to be outbid by BBC3 on 'Harper's Island,...
- 5/12/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan said Wednesday the broadcaster will cut its editorial budget by 10% -- or £60 million ($90 million) -- this year in the face of an estimated 18% slump in TV advertising revenue in 2009.
The broadcaster, which backed Oscar-winner “Slumdog Millionaire” and airs such shows as “Desperate Housewives,” reiterated its decision to step back from U.S. acquisitions and said it was sending a smaller team to the La Screenings this year, with director of television Kevin Lygo not in attendance.
Speaking as the broadcaster announced total revenues down 4% in 2008 to £906 million ($1.36 billion) compared with £945 million ($1.4 billion) in 2007, Duncan said he remained “optimistic” about partnership talks with the BBC’s commercial division, BBC Worldwide, aimed at boosting the government-owned broadcaster’s financial position.
“The broad concept of a significant partnership between us and BBC Worldwide has real potential... I think we both see a real synergy between the two organizations.
The broadcaster, which backed Oscar-winner “Slumdog Millionaire” and airs such shows as “Desperate Housewives,” reiterated its decision to step back from U.S. acquisitions and said it was sending a smaller team to the La Screenings this year, with director of television Kevin Lygo not in attendance.
Speaking as the broadcaster announced total revenues down 4% in 2008 to £906 million ($1.36 billion) compared with £945 million ($1.4 billion) in 2007, Duncan said he remained “optimistic” about partnership talks with the BBC’s commercial division, BBC Worldwide, aimed at boosting the government-owned broadcaster’s financial position.
“The broad concept of a significant partnership between us and BBC Worldwide has real potential... I think we both see a real synergy between the two organizations.
- 5/7/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Commercial broadcaster ITV is thought to be considering a radical merger with both Channel 4 and Five, creating a single commercial broadcaster in what would amount to the biggest shake-up in the history of U.K. commercial television.
In a move that underscores the broadcaster's anxieties over the future of the U.K. broadcasting sector, executives from ITV are reported to have outlined the proposals to the government as one of a number of possible outcomes aimed at securing the broadcaster's future, according to a report in the Media Guardian.
Executive chairman Michael Grade will unveil ITV's full-year results March 4, and is expected to provide the shareholders with a radical rescue plan that will include redundancies, the sale of non-core assets and a cut in dividends.
The merger of Channel 4, Five and ITV would require major regulatory consideration as well as amendments to broadcasting legislation designed to promote competition.
In a move that underscores the broadcaster's anxieties over the future of the U.K. broadcasting sector, executives from ITV are reported to have outlined the proposals to the government as one of a number of possible outcomes aimed at securing the broadcaster's future, according to a report in the Media Guardian.
Executive chairman Michael Grade will unveil ITV's full-year results March 4, and is expected to provide the shareholders with a radical rescue plan that will include redundancies, the sale of non-core assets and a cut in dividends.
The merger of Channel 4, Five and ITV would require major regulatory consideration as well as amendments to broadcasting legislation designed to promote competition.
- 2/25/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- The BBC has appointed senior Microsoft executive Sharon Baylay to its top marketing role.
Baylay is appointed director of marketing, communications and audiences, overseeing a 400-strong team at the Beeb, replacing Tim Davie who took up the reins as director of audio and music at the the corporation last year.
Baylay joined Microsoft in 1993 and was most recently general manager of the company's U.K. online services division.
"The BBC's relationship with our audience has never been more important than it is today," said the BBC director general Mark Thompson.
The BBC marketing director role is often cited as a stepping stone to more senior jobs, with Davie's predecessor Andy Duncan exiting to become chief executive of Channel 4.
Baylay is appointed director of marketing, communications and audiences, overseeing a 400-strong team at the Beeb, replacing Tim Davie who took up the reins as director of audio and music at the the corporation last year.
Baylay joined Microsoft in 1993 and was most recently general manager of the company's U.K. online services division.
"The BBC's relationship with our audience has never been more important than it is today," said the BBC director general Mark Thompson.
The BBC marketing director role is often cited as a stepping stone to more senior jobs, with Davie's predecessor Andy Duncan exiting to become chief executive of Channel 4.
- 2/16/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- The government has thrown its support behind a planned merger of Channel 4 and the commercial arm of the BBC, a move that could herald a major shake-up in the U.K. broadcasting landscape if it goes forward later this year.
In Thursday's long-awaited Digital Britain report, Communications Minister Stephen Carter said that Channel 4 needs to broaden its public purposes and be placed at the front and center of a new public service entity suited to the digital and broadband age.
"At the heart of this new remit should be strong commitments to international and national news, current affairs, documentaries and film, with the prospect of introducing programming for older children and news for the nations," he said.
Carter said it "made sense" to begin by looking at combining public sector bodies Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide, but added that the government also will look at a range of other...
In Thursday's long-awaited Digital Britain report, Communications Minister Stephen Carter said that Channel 4 needs to broaden its public purposes and be placed at the front and center of a new public service entity suited to the digital and broadband age.
"At the heart of this new remit should be strong commitments to international and national news, current affairs, documentaries and film, with the prospect of introducing programming for older children and news for the nations," he said.
Carter said it "made sense" to begin by looking at combining public sector bodies Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide, but added that the government also will look at a range of other...
- 1/29/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- U.K. media regulator Ofcom published its blueprint on the future of public service broadcasting Wednesday, ruling out the idea of "top-slicing" the BBC license fee to support Channel 4 but leaving many questions about the publically owned net's future unanswered.
The media regulator, which also came out in favor of more commercial freedom for ailing ITV, said that it backs the idea of protecting Channel 4 by strengthening the organization and making it part of a larger, more robust body "preferably through partnerships, joint ventures or even mergers." But the much-anticipated report failed to cite specific recommendations, doing little to reduce the confusion over the broadcaster's future.
Among the options Ofcom has put forth are a merger with rival commercial network Five, owned by commercial player Rtl, or a possible partnership with BBC Worldwide.
Both options will face tough opposition.
Channel 4 CEO Andy Duncan and chairman Luke Johnson have...
The media regulator, which also came out in favor of more commercial freedom for ailing ITV, said that it backs the idea of protecting Channel 4 by strengthening the organization and making it part of a larger, more robust body "preferably through partnerships, joint ventures or even mergers." But the much-anticipated report failed to cite specific recommendations, doing little to reduce the confusion over the broadcaster's future.
Among the options Ofcom has put forth are a merger with rival commercial network Five, owned by commercial player Rtl, or a possible partnership with BBC Worldwide.
Both options will face tough opposition.
Channel 4 CEO Andy Duncan and chairman Luke Johnson have...
- 1/21/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Rtl chief executive Gerhard Zeiler has given his support to the idea of a merger between Rtl-owned Five and publicly owned Channel 4, in a move that will ratchet up pressure on Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan and chairman Luke Johnson who strongly oppose any such deal.
Writing in the Financial Times Monday, Zeiler said the two broadcasters were very "complementary" and that a merger "would create a much stronger operator."
"With this merger, the future of both as public service channels would be guaranteed, delivering real benefits to the public while standing on their own two feet commercially," he said.
With the merger garnering the explicit support of BBC director general Mark Thompson, and the apparent support of communications minister Stephen Carter -- whose recommendations on the future of broadcasting are to be published Jan. 26 -- Channel 4 seems to be losing the argument that such a deal could never work.
Writing in the Financial Times Monday, Zeiler said the two broadcasters were very "complementary" and that a merger "would create a much stronger operator."
"With this merger, the future of both as public service channels would be guaranteed, delivering real benefits to the public while standing on their own two feet commercially," he said.
With the merger garnering the explicit support of BBC director general Mark Thompson, and the apparent support of communications minister Stephen Carter -- whose recommendations on the future of broadcasting are to be published Jan. 26 -- Channel 4 seems to be losing the argument that such a deal could never work.
- 1/20/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- In what would amount to a severe blow for Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan, the publicly owned broadcaster is thought to have lost out in its bid for increased public funding and may instead face the prospect of being merged with Rtl-owned Channel Five, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Citing a leaked draft copy of the "Digital Britain" report being prepared by Communications Minister Stephen Carter for publication later this month, the newspaper said Friday that Channel 4 has lost out in its bid for extra financial support to meet the estimated 150 million pounds ($224 million) a year deficit it faces.
Instead, the channel is thought likely to become part of "larger entity" that will "combine private and public assets" and take on additional public service responsibilities in such genres as news.
If the report is correct, it would signal a major victory for the BBC, which...
Citing a leaked draft copy of the "Digital Britain" report being prepared by Communications Minister Stephen Carter for publication later this month, the newspaper said Friday that Channel 4 has lost out in its bid for extra financial support to meet the estimated 150 million pounds ($224 million) a year deficit it faces.
Instead, the channel is thought likely to become part of "larger entity" that will "combine private and public assets" and take on additional public service responsibilities in such genres as news.
If the report is correct, it would signal a major victory for the BBC, which...
- 1/16/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan has dismissed proposals to allow a merger of government-owned Channel 4 with Rtl-owned Five as "a mess," describing plans to consolidate the U.K.'s advertising funded broadcasters as "penguins crowding together for safety on a rapidly melting ice floe."
In a speech delivered to government science, technology and arts body Nesta Thursday, Duncan said that the U.K.'s commercial broadcasters are at risk because of "underlying structural problems" that would not be solved by deploying "solutions of the past."
"It makes no sense whatsoever to imagine that merging a not-for-profit publicly owned broadcast business with a for-profit, privately owned broadcaster is going to solve the fundamental structural problems we are all facing," he said. "Mixing oil and water doesn't work. It just makes a mess."
Duncan called on the government to back Britain's creative industry by extending the model of intervention and commercial activity,...
In a speech delivered to government science, technology and arts body Nesta Thursday, Duncan said that the U.K.'s commercial broadcasters are at risk because of "underlying structural problems" that would not be solved by deploying "solutions of the past."
"It makes no sense whatsoever to imagine that merging a not-for-profit publicly owned broadcast business with a for-profit, privately owned broadcaster is going to solve the fundamental structural problems we are all facing," he said. "Mixing oil and water doesn't work. It just makes a mess."
Duncan called on the government to back Britain's creative industry by extending the model of intervention and commercial activity,...
- 1/15/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- BBC director general Mark Thompson has backed the idea of a Channel 4/Five merger and has called for regulatory restrictions on its commercial rivals to be scaled back.
Writing in the Financial Times on Monday, Thompson said that a deal would have advantages for both players in terms of acquisitions and digital plans.
Thompson's comments come as the government and regulators prepare to unveil their proposals for Britain's public service broadcasters amid a climate of economic gloom and digital uncertainty.
"Consolidation (for 4 and Five) could offer the prospect of both short- and long-term benefits: immediate cost savings and an increase in scale in key markets from advertising sales to program acquisition," the BBC boss wrote, saying the plans would also allow "a smaller number of larger players to focus on credible and affordable digital plans."
As chief executive of Channel 4 in 2004, Thompson initiated merger talks with Rtl-owned Five,...
Writing in the Financial Times on Monday, Thompson said that a deal would have advantages for both players in terms of acquisitions and digital plans.
Thompson's comments come as the government and regulators prepare to unveil their proposals for Britain's public service broadcasters amid a climate of economic gloom and digital uncertainty.
"Consolidation (for 4 and Five) could offer the prospect of both short- and long-term benefits: immediate cost savings and an increase in scale in key markets from advertising sales to program acquisition," the BBC boss wrote, saying the plans would also allow "a smaller number of larger players to focus on credible and affordable digital plans."
As chief executive of Channel 4 in 2004, Thompson initiated merger talks with Rtl-owned Five,...
- 1/12/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Relations between Britain's two government-owned broadcasters, the BBC and Channel Four, just got a lot testier.
The tiff escalated Tuesday night after a news report on Four's flagship newscast accused the BBC of wasting public money on program launches.
The report said the BBC had spent 45,000 pounds ($70,000) launching the show "Merlin" to press and buyers at a top London venue and had spent 118,000 pounds ($183,000) launching three other shows: "Little Dorrit," "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" and "The Passion" this year.
Four's news arm requested the figures under the Freedom of Information act, which allows info to be sought from public organizations.
BBC insiders have reacted with outrage at the report, which they say is "par for the course" and "something you have to do" when it comes to promoting major drama.
"We do it, ITV do it, Channel 4 do it," a senior BBC source said. "When you are...
The tiff escalated Tuesday night after a news report on Four's flagship newscast accused the BBC of wasting public money on program launches.
The report said the BBC had spent 45,000 pounds ($70,000) launching the show "Merlin" to press and buyers at a top London venue and had spent 118,000 pounds ($183,000) launching three other shows: "Little Dorrit," "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" and "The Passion" this year.
Four's news arm requested the figures under the Freedom of Information act, which allows info to be sought from public organizations.
BBC insiders have reacted with outrage at the report, which they say is "par for the course" and "something you have to do" when it comes to promoting major drama.
"We do it, ITV do it, Channel 4 do it," a senior BBC source said. "When you are...
- 12/16/2008
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Pan-European broadcaster Rtl Group declined comment on speculation it is looking again at a bid for Britain's Channel 4, the government-owned British broadcaster that is facing funding difficulties.
Rtl is reported to have hired JPMorgan to look at options relating to a possible Channel 4 acquisition, which could be valued at in excess of 500 million euros ($765,000).
Rtl, which owns or part-owns 42 TV networks in 10 European countries, could merge Channel 4 with Rtl's channel Five in the U.K.
Channel 4, which until now has relied solely on advertising revenue, has told the government it is facing a 150 million euro ($230 million) per year funding gap that will have to be met by public support.
Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan last week rejected a package of technology and facilities sharing offers from the BBC, including the use of the BBC iPlayer service, saying he saw "no tangible benefits" in the package.
Rtl is reported to have hired JPMorgan to look at options relating to a possible Channel 4 acquisition, which could be valued at in excess of 500 million euros ($765,000).
Rtl, which owns or part-owns 42 TV networks in 10 European countries, could merge Channel 4 with Rtl's channel Five in the U.K.
Channel 4, which until now has relied solely on advertising revenue, has told the government it is facing a 150 million euro ($230 million) per year funding gap that will have to be met by public support.
Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan last week rejected a package of technology and facilities sharing offers from the BBC, including the use of the BBC iPlayer service, saying he saw "no tangible benefits" in the package.
- 12/15/2008
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- The BBC on Thursday outlined a series of technology investments and sharing initiatives that it said would benefit its fellow public-service broadcasters to the tune of "at least" 120 million pounds ($179.6 million) a year, in a bid to protect its 3.5 billion pounds-a-year ($5.2 billion) license fee settlement.
The pubcaster, under pressure to allow some of its annual funding to be used to bail out struggling government-owned broadcaster Channel 4, is looking for alternative ways to offer support without losing control of the license fee.
Director general Mark Thompson said the pubcaster would invest in research to launch a set-top box that would allow viewers to watch broadband content on their televisions, and would open that platform to Channel 4, ITV and Five.
He also proposed allowing other broadcasters to share the BBC's broadband TV iPlayer platform and share digital production technology and regional production costs.
Together, Thompson said the initiatives could account for more than 120 million pounds,...
The pubcaster, under pressure to allow some of its annual funding to be used to bail out struggling government-owned broadcaster Channel 4, is looking for alternative ways to offer support without losing control of the license fee.
Director general Mark Thompson said the pubcaster would invest in research to launch a set-top box that would allow viewers to watch broadband content on their televisions, and would open that platform to Channel 4, ITV and Five.
He also proposed allowing other broadcasters to share the BBC's broadband TV iPlayer platform and share digital production technology and regional production costs.
Together, Thompson said the initiatives could account for more than 120 million pounds,...
- 12/11/2008
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- A poor advertising outlook and "some of the most challenging economic circumstances" in the broadcaster's history will force Channel 4 to slash 150 jobs -- about 15% of its work force, chief executive Andy Duncan told staffers Tuesday.
The latest cost-reduction program -- aimed at saving 100 million pounds ($186 million) over two years -- comes as media regulator Ofcom is to announce its recommendations regarding the broadcaster's longer term financial future, scheduled for Wednesday.
The broadcaster, which also encompasses digital channels E4, More4 and FilmFour, said it will cut 2008 group program spending by more than 25 million pounds ($46 million) from the 617 million pounds spent in 2007.
An additional 25 million pounds will be culled from marketing, new business development and back office services, and nearly 50 million pounds ($93 million) will be cut from budgets in 2009. Duncan said the new headcount will be achieved initially by offering voluntary redundancies and staff consultation in a bid to minimize compulsory pink slips.
The latest cost-reduction program -- aimed at saving 100 million pounds ($186 million) over two years -- comes as media regulator Ofcom is to announce its recommendations regarding the broadcaster's longer term financial future, scheduled for Wednesday.
The broadcaster, which also encompasses digital channels E4, More4 and FilmFour, said it will cut 2008 group program spending by more than 25 million pounds ($46 million) from the 617 million pounds spent in 2007.
An additional 25 million pounds will be culled from marketing, new business development and back office services, and nearly 50 million pounds ($93 million) will be cut from budgets in 2009. Duncan said the new headcount will be achieved initially by offering voluntary redundancies and staff consultation in a bid to minimize compulsory pink slips.
- 9/23/2008
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.