The past year has seen Eva Longoria direct the Oscar nominated Flamin’ Hot, form the Banijay-backed Hyphenate Media Group with Cris Abrego, and be awarded $50 million for her advocacy and charity efforts by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. That’s along with the Desperate Housewives alum’s other day jobs on upcoming seasons of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, Apple TV+’s Land of Women, and more. A dedicated Disruptor from the drop, true multi-hyphenate Longoria wants to see a shift in Hollywood, and she has the pillars of demographics and demand in her sights.
Deadline: You’ve touted Hyphenate as a production banner, a business incubator, a talent agency and a bottom-line centered wake-up call. How does that mix work in the Hollywood of today?
Eva Longoria: Cris and I know there’s a better way to do business. This is exactly a disruptor point of view,...
Deadline: You’ve touted Hyphenate as a production banner, a business incubator, a talent agency and a bottom-line centered wake-up call. How does that mix work in the Hollywood of today?
Eva Longoria: Cris and I know there’s a better way to do business. This is exactly a disruptor point of view,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Eva Longoria is returning to CNN for a revival of the Searching For franchise, this one focused on Spain.
Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain was announced at today’s Warner Bros. Discovery upfront in New York, with plans for a premiere in 2025. Per CNN, the series will feature “a gastronomic pilgrimage across the rich tapestry of Spanish cuisine.” Longoria “will enjoy some of Spain’s most iconic traditional dishes and explore how innovative Spanish cuisine is propelling the future of fine dining.”
Longoria previously partnered with CNN on Searching for Mexico. The series order is a signal that the network, after announcing a cutback in original series and films from outside suppliers, is returning to an emphasis on such longform projects under new CEO Mark Thompson. Searching for Spain comes from Hyphenate Media Group.
Eva Longoria, Cris Abrego, Rachelle Mendez and Shauna Minoprio are executive producers for Hyphenate Media Group.
Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain was announced at today’s Warner Bros. Discovery upfront in New York, with plans for a premiere in 2025. Per CNN, the series will feature “a gastronomic pilgrimage across the rich tapestry of Spanish cuisine.” Longoria “will enjoy some of Spain’s most iconic traditional dishes and explore how innovative Spanish cuisine is propelling the future of fine dining.”
Longoria previously partnered with CNN on Searching for Mexico. The series order is a signal that the network, after announcing a cutback in original series and films from outside suppliers, is returning to an emphasis on such longform projects under new CEO Mark Thompson. Searching for Spain comes from Hyphenate Media Group.
Eva Longoria, Cris Abrego, Rachelle Mendez and Shauna Minoprio are executive producers for Hyphenate Media Group.
- 5/15/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN is planning a return to the travel-food genre after pulling back from original series under former CEO Chris Licht.
The channel said Wednesday that it would be rebooting its Searching For franchise, with Eva Longoria set to host a new series, Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain. The new series will debut in 2025 on CNN, with Hyphenate Media Group producing the program.
“I am thrilled to be partnering once again with CNN to bring this culinary and cultural journey through Spain to life,” said Longoria in a statement. “I have always been captivated by the people, energy, and vibrant culture of Spain, and I am excited to explore my own ties to this region and share the hidden gems that have helped make it a personal favorite.”
It was Stanley Tucci who created the Searching For series with his Searching For Italy, despite winning Emmy Awards for three straight years,...
The channel said Wednesday that it would be rebooting its Searching For franchise, with Eva Longoria set to host a new series, Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain. The new series will debut in 2025 on CNN, with Hyphenate Media Group producing the program.
“I am thrilled to be partnering once again with CNN to bring this culinary and cultural journey through Spain to life,” said Longoria in a statement. “I have always been captivated by the people, energy, and vibrant culture of Spain, and I am excited to explore my own ties to this region and share the hidden gems that have helped make it a personal favorite.”
It was Stanley Tucci who created the Searching For series with his Searching For Italy, despite winning Emmy Awards for three straight years,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Television Academy chair Cris Abrego announced on Wednesday his appointees to the Television Academy Executive Committee for 2024.
They include returning members Pearlena Igbokwe (Universal Studio Group) and John Landgraf (FX Content & FX Productions), along with Brandon Riegg (Netflix), Paul Buccieri (A+E Networks), Dany Garcia (The Garcia Companies, Seven Bucks Productions) and Amy Reisenbach (CBS Entertainment).
They will advise Abrego on the organization’s direction and its core initiatives and work with the Television Academy’s officers and the board of governors to guide the Academy throughout the year.
“I am thrilled to welcome these industry luminaries to the Academy’s Executive Committee and feel fortunate to be able to count on their counsel to drive the Academy forward and bolster its mission,” said Abrego. “Their partnership will be invaluable to the Academy, and to me personally, as we work together to lead this organization and the Emmys themselves into the future,...
They include returning members Pearlena Igbokwe (Universal Studio Group) and John Landgraf (FX Content & FX Productions), along with Brandon Riegg (Netflix), Paul Buccieri (A+E Networks), Dany Garcia (The Garcia Companies, Seven Bucks Productions) and Amy Reisenbach (CBS Entertainment).
They will advise Abrego on the organization’s direction and its core initiatives and work with the Television Academy’s officers and the board of governors to guide the Academy throughout the year.
“I am thrilled to welcome these industry luminaries to the Academy’s Executive Committee and feel fortunate to be able to count on their counsel to drive the Academy forward and bolster its mission,” said Abrego. “Their partnership will be invaluable to the Academy, and to me personally, as we work together to lead this organization and the Emmys themselves into the future,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Television Academy has announced its recipients for the 17th Television Academy Honors, which recognizes seven television programs and their producers “who have leveraged the extraordinary power of storytelling to propel social change,” according to the Academy.
The honorees are four non-scripted series and three scripted series: 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed, The 1619 Project, A Small Light, Beef, Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court, Heartstopper and Lakota Nation vs. United States.
“This year’s honorees have leveraged the medium’s power to drive meaningful conversation and create social impact,” says Television Academy chair Cris Abrego. “We honor their commitment to authentic, evocative storytelling that tackles important social issues that affect the global audience.”
Scott Freeman, Governor of the Reality Programming Peer Group, chaired this year’s Television Academy Honors selection committee with Bobbi Banks, governor of the Sound Editors Peer Group, serving as vice chair.
Added Banks: “The...
The honorees are four non-scripted series and three scripted series: 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed, The 1619 Project, A Small Light, Beef, Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court, Heartstopper and Lakota Nation vs. United States.
“This year’s honorees have leveraged the medium’s power to drive meaningful conversation and create social impact,” says Television Academy chair Cris Abrego. “We honor their commitment to authentic, evocative storytelling that tackles important social issues that affect the global audience.”
Scott Freeman, Governor of the Reality Programming Peer Group, chaired this year’s Television Academy Honors selection committee with Bobbi Banks, governor of the Sound Editors Peer Group, serving as vice chair.
Added Banks: “The...
- 4/25/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As one Emmys season has ended, with a new one already en route, the Television Academy has taken a moment to announce the recipients of its 17th Television Academy Honors, with a recognition ceremony set for Thursday, May 23 at Citizen News in Hollywood, CA.
The Television Academy Honors are meant to recognize compelling TV programs, and the producers behind them, who have leveraged the power of storytelling to propel social change. The seven honorees, including four unscripted programs and three scripted series, are “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed,” “The 1619 Project,” “A Small Light,” “Beef,” “Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court,” “Heartstopper,” and “Lakota Nation vs. United States.”
The projects, which all premiered in 2023, have been recognized for addressing complex topics relevant to society today, including social injustice, civil rights, Lgbtqia+ rights and experiences, Indigenous history and reparations, the experience of mixed-race Americans, racism and racial justice, and mental health.
The Television Academy Honors are meant to recognize compelling TV programs, and the producers behind them, who have leveraged the power of storytelling to propel social change. The seven honorees, including four unscripted programs and three scripted series, are “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed,” “The 1619 Project,” “A Small Light,” “Beef,” “Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court,” “Heartstopper,” and “Lakota Nation vs. United States.”
The projects, which all premiered in 2023, have been recognized for addressing complex topics relevant to society today, including social injustice, civil rights, Lgbtqia+ rights and experiences, Indigenous history and reparations, the experience of mixed-race Americans, racism and racial justice, and mental health.
- 4/25/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
The Television Academy have revealed the recipients of its 17th Television Academy Honors. The recipients include four non-scripted series and three scripted series.
Each year, Television Academy Honors celebrates programs that raise awareness about complex issues facing society.
“This year’s honorees have leveraged the medium’s power to drive meaningful conversation and create social impact,” said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego. “We honor their commitment to authentic, evocative storytelling that tackles important social issues that affect the global audience.”
The Honors recipients will be celebrated during a recognition ceremony slated for Thursday, May 23 at Citizen News in Hollywood, CA.
Recipients are:
1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed (Get Lifted Film Company; HBO Documentary Films). From four-time Emmy-winner W. Kamau Bell, this documentary explores what it means to grow up mixed-race in America through conversations with multiracial children and their families in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his own. Bell tackles...
Each year, Television Academy Honors celebrates programs that raise awareness about complex issues facing society.
“This year’s honorees have leveraged the medium’s power to drive meaningful conversation and create social impact,” said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego. “We honor their commitment to authentic, evocative storytelling that tackles important social issues that affect the global audience.”
The Honors recipients will be celebrated during a recognition ceremony slated for Thursday, May 23 at Citizen News in Hollywood, CA.
Recipients are:
1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed (Get Lifted Film Company; HBO Documentary Films). From four-time Emmy-winner W. Kamau Bell, this documentary explores what it means to grow up mixed-race in America through conversations with multiracial children and their families in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his own. Bell tackles...
- 4/25/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Hyphenate Media Group, the production venture and holding company launched in October by Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego with backing from Banijay, has set its leadership team with the appointments of three senior executives.
Jada Miranda, formerly of STX Entertainment, has been named president of television for the Los Angeles-based company headed by actor/director/producer Longoria and the veteran producer and TV executive Abrego. Banijay Americas executives Karla Pita Loor and Alex Chang have signed on to Hyphenate as chief strategy officer and chief operating officer, respectively. The two will continue to consult for Paris-based Banijay.
“Jada’s impressive track record speaks for itself. With her vast network and studio experience across domestic and international co-productions and her deep talent relationships, she is the ideal leader to run Hyphenate originals,” Longoria said. “Cris and I are excited to count on her creativity and vision as we build our television business.
Jada Miranda, formerly of STX Entertainment, has been named president of television for the Los Angeles-based company headed by actor/director/producer Longoria and the veteran producer and TV executive Abrego. Banijay Americas executives Karla Pita Loor and Alex Chang have signed on to Hyphenate as chief strategy officer and chief operating officer, respectively. The two will continue to consult for Paris-based Banijay.
“Jada’s impressive track record speaks for itself. With her vast network and studio experience across domestic and international co-productions and her deep talent relationships, she is the ideal leader to run Hyphenate originals,” Longoria said. “Cris and I are excited to count on her creativity and vision as we build our television business.
- 3/21/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Hyphenate Media Group co-founders Cris Abrego and Eva Longoria have set the company’s executive leadership team. Jada Miranda will serve as President of Television, Karla Pita Loor as Chief Strategy Officer and Alex Chang as Chief Operating Officer. All executives will report to Abrego and Longoria.
Most recently, Miranda served as President of Scripted Television and Production of STX Entertainment, focusing on domestic and international co-productions with partners Netflix, SyFy and Prime Video. Before that role, she helped develop series from video game IP, such as Halo at Xbox Entertainment Studios and fan-favorite titles Hannibal, Grimm and Chicago Fire at NBCUniversal. She began her career at HBO, where she co-led Comedy Programming supporting shows like Entourage, The Comeback and executive producing How to Make it In America.
“Jada’s impressive track record speaks for itself. With her vast network and studio experience across domestic and international co-productions and her deep talent relationships,...
Most recently, Miranda served as President of Scripted Television and Production of STX Entertainment, focusing on domestic and international co-productions with partners Netflix, SyFy and Prime Video. Before that role, she helped develop series from video game IP, such as Halo at Xbox Entertainment Studios and fan-favorite titles Hannibal, Grimm and Chicago Fire at NBCUniversal. She began her career at HBO, where she co-led Comedy Programming supporting shows like Entourage, The Comeback and executive producing How to Make it In America.
“Jada’s impressive track record speaks for itself. With her vast network and studio experience across domestic and international co-productions and her deep talent relationships,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The Television Academy continues to make incremental progress in measuring the diversity and inclusiveness of its organization.
The body behind the Emmy Awards has released a progress report on its membership demographics and attitudes toward its Deia efforts, a year after publishing its 2023 Transparency Report establishing the state of the Academy.
Relying on self-disclosed data, the response rate on the new survey increased across all demographic categories, with 81.4 percent of members (up from 79.4 percent) providing their gender and 73.6 percent (up from 67.3 percent) their race or ethnicity. The gender ratio is unchanged (currently 53.1 percent male, 46.5 percent and the remaining 0.6 percent two-spirit or gender-nonconforming/nonbinary). The percentage of white respondents slightly decreased from 73.6 percent to 69.9 percent, with the 3.7 percent difference (representing approximately 1,500 people) now distributed among the other racial and ethnic groups.
“On the heels of a history-making 75th Emmys and three years of our collaboration, we’re thrilled to report on the progress made,...
The body behind the Emmy Awards has released a progress report on its membership demographics and attitudes toward its Deia efforts, a year after publishing its 2023 Transparency Report establishing the state of the Academy.
Relying on self-disclosed data, the response rate on the new survey increased across all demographic categories, with 81.4 percent of members (up from 79.4 percent) providing their gender and 73.6 percent (up from 67.3 percent) their race or ethnicity. The gender ratio is unchanged (currently 53.1 percent male, 46.5 percent and the remaining 0.6 percent two-spirit or gender-nonconforming/nonbinary). The percentage of white respondents slightly decreased from 73.6 percent to 69.9 percent, with the 3.7 percent difference (representing approximately 1,500 people) now distributed among the other racial and ethnic groups.
“On the heels of a history-making 75th Emmys and three years of our collaboration, we’re thrilled to report on the progress made,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
According to a new demographics report released by the Television Academy, there have been significant gains in diversity and representation among new members. The Academy’s membership has grown significantly over the past few years, from 18,686 reported members in 2021 to 23,198 according to the latest report. Of those, 81.4% of members provided racial demographics in the Academy’s database. Regarding the diversity survey sent out, 11.6% of the members responded.
In partnership with ReadySet, one of the country’s leading culture change consulting firms, the findings indicate that diversity have advanced over the past two years, especially among its newest members. While the progress is worth celebrating, significant work remains. The TV organization aims to exemplify accountability, remaining steadfast in focusing on communication, transparency and feedback opportunities.
Some of the major takeaways include the percentage of Academy members identifying as a member of a historically marginalized racial or ethnic group increasing by nearly...
In partnership with ReadySet, one of the country’s leading culture change consulting firms, the findings indicate that diversity have advanced over the past two years, especially among its newest members. While the progress is worth celebrating, significant work remains. The TV organization aims to exemplify accountability, remaining steadfast in focusing on communication, transparency and feedback opportunities.
Some of the major takeaways include the percentage of Academy members identifying as a member of a historically marginalized racial or ethnic group increasing by nearly...
- 2/29/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Eva Longoria is back in front of the cameras, following a busy award season supporting her feature film directorial debut Flamin’ Hot. Longoria has been cast in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building Season 4 in a recurring role.
Details regarding the new season’s plot and character descriptions remain under wraps. However, we do know the new episodes will focus on unraveling the murder of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles-Haden Savage’s (Steve Martin) mind-bogglingly identical stunt double from his years on the series Brazzos and its 2020 revival.
Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich revealed in a recent Deadline interview that the Only Murders In the Building trio: Charles, Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez), will kick off the new season with a trip to Los Angeles before returning to The Arconia in their search of Sazz’s killer.
Longoria’s character becomes integral to the twists and...
Details regarding the new season’s plot and character descriptions remain under wraps. However, we do know the new episodes will focus on unraveling the murder of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles-Haden Savage’s (Steve Martin) mind-bogglingly identical stunt double from his years on the series Brazzos and its 2020 revival.
Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich revealed in a recent Deadline interview that the Only Murders In the Building trio: Charles, Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez), will kick off the new season with a trip to Los Angeles before returning to The Arconia in their search of Sazz’s killer.
Longoria’s character becomes integral to the twists and...
- 2/22/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America is escalating its pressure on the Television Academy after the organization removed the outstanding writing for a variety series/special award from the Emmys telecast.
On Tuesday the union sent a letter from major variety series and specials hosts and a petition signed by more than 1,400 members to Television Academy chairman Cris Abrego, calling on the organization to reinstate the category in the awards ceremony primetime broadcast. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart, Amber Ruffin, Colin Jost and Michael Che were among the members signing on to the letter to Abrego, which stated that the decision “devalues their [writers’] work, and our series, by sidelining writers from being honored during the Emmys’ main telecast.”
The petition, signed by members including Leslie Jones, Bill Nye, Ray Romano, John Water, Roy Wood Jr., Rachel Bloom and Raphael Bob-Waksberg, meanwhile says the change...
On Tuesday the union sent a letter from major variety series and specials hosts and a petition signed by more than 1,400 members to Television Academy chairman Cris Abrego, calling on the organization to reinstate the category in the awards ceremony primetime broadcast. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart, Amber Ruffin, Colin Jost and Michael Che were among the members signing on to the letter to Abrego, which stated that the decision “devalues their [writers’] work, and our series, by sidelining writers from being honored during the Emmys’ main telecast.”
The petition, signed by members including Leslie Jones, Bill Nye, Ray Romano, John Water, Roy Wood Jr., Rachel Bloom and Raphael Bob-Waksberg, meanwhile says the change...
- 12/19/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America continues to express its displeasure with the exclusion of some writing categories from the 75th Emmy Awards.
The guild sent out a petition on Tuesday signed by more than 1,400 members, urging the Television Academy to reinstate the “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special” categories in the primetime Emmy Awards telecast.
Along with the petition was a letter signed by several comedians who are eligible for these categories, including Michael Che, Stephen Colbert, Adam Conover, Jimmy Fallon, Sam Jay, Bomani Jones, Colin Jost, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Trevor Noah, John Oliver, Amber Ruffin, Jon Stewart, and Robin Thede.
In a collective statement, the group of comedians wrote: “As hosts of series eligible for the Emmy Awards’ ‘Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special’ categories, we are profoundly disappointed by the Television Academy’s decision to not present this award during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards...
The guild sent out a petition on Tuesday signed by more than 1,400 members, urging the Television Academy to reinstate the “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special” categories in the primetime Emmy Awards telecast.
Along with the petition was a letter signed by several comedians who are eligible for these categories, including Michael Che, Stephen Colbert, Adam Conover, Jimmy Fallon, Sam Jay, Bomani Jones, Colin Jost, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Trevor Noah, John Oliver, Amber Ruffin, Jon Stewart, and Robin Thede.
In a collective statement, the group of comedians wrote: “As hosts of series eligible for the Emmy Awards’ ‘Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series/Special’ categories, we are profoundly disappointed by the Television Academy’s decision to not present this award during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards...
- 12/19/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
David Oyelowo is set to receive The Hollywood Reporter’s Trailblazer Award at NATPE Global next month.
The BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, whose credits include Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Selma and Nightingale, will be honored for his contributions to storytelling as an actor, producer, director and writer in both television and film. The award is given to artists and industry leaders whose work consistently pushes the boundaries of artistry, culture and how Hollywood conducts business, including but not limited to illuminating stories and characters that have been traditionally marginalized in Hollywood and the global entertainment marketplace.
The award will be presented at Napte Global, which runs Jan. 16-18 at InterContinental Miami. Following the presentation, Oyelowo will sit down with The Hollywood Reporter contributing editor Stacey Wilson Hunt for a wide-ranging interview about his career, including his recent Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award-nominated turn as the lead in Paramount+’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves,...
The BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, whose credits include Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Selma and Nightingale, will be honored for his contributions to storytelling as an actor, producer, director and writer in both television and film. The award is given to artists and industry leaders whose work consistently pushes the boundaries of artistry, culture and how Hollywood conducts business, including but not limited to illuminating stories and characters that have been traditionally marginalized in Hollywood and the global entertainment marketplace.
The award will be presented at Napte Global, which runs Jan. 16-18 at InterContinental Miami. Following the presentation, Oyelowo will sit down with The Hollywood Reporter contributing editor Stacey Wilson Hunt for a wide-ranging interview about his career, including his recent Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award-nominated turn as the lead in Paramount+’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves,...
- 12/18/2023
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eva Longoria has been selected to receive the Ruderman Family Foundation’s annual honor recognizing prominent cultural figures who do advocacy work on behalf of the disabled.
Longoria founded the organization Eva’s Heroes in 2006 to help those with intellectual disabilities. The cause is personal to Longoria, whose older sister Liza was born with an intellectual disability. In 2012, Longoria also established the Eva Longoria Foundation to help advocate for Latino women through education and entrepreneurship.
“I’m so honored to be recognized as the recipient of this year’s Morton E. Ruderman Award. My older sister Liza was born with an intellectual disability, so my mom instilled in all of us early on the importance of giving back to our community, which is why I founded Eva’s Hereos to provide a platform to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities around the country,” said Longoria.
The foundation’s Morton E.
Longoria founded the organization Eva’s Heroes in 2006 to help those with intellectual disabilities. The cause is personal to Longoria, whose older sister Liza was born with an intellectual disability. In 2012, Longoria also established the Eva Longoria Foundation to help advocate for Latino women through education and entrepreneurship.
“I’m so honored to be recognized as the recipient of this year’s Morton E. Ruderman Award. My older sister Liza was born with an intellectual disability, so my mom instilled in all of us early on the importance of giving back to our community, which is why I founded Eva’s Hereos to provide a platform to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities around the country,” said Longoria.
The foundation’s Morton E.
- 12/18/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
The Television Academy has elected Cris Abrego, the CEO of Hyphenate Media Group, as the new chairman of the organization.
Abrego will succeed the current chairman, Frank Scherma, who has served in the office since January of 2019. His two-year term will begin on Jan. 1, 2024.
“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said in a press release. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the world — our content drives local and global economies and has a formative impact on our culture. As the entertainment ecosystem continues to undergo seismic shifts, I look forward to linking arms with our new officers and governors to lead our Academy and support our membership as we forge the path ahead together.”
Abrego is the CEO...
Abrego will succeed the current chairman, Frank Scherma, who has served in the office since January of 2019. His two-year term will begin on Jan. 1, 2024.
“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said in a press release. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the world — our content drives local and global economies and has a formative impact on our culture. As the entertainment ecosystem continues to undergo seismic shifts, I look forward to linking arms with our new officers and governors to lead our Academy and support our membership as we forge the path ahead together.”
Abrego is the CEO...
- 11/17/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
The Television Academy has elected new leadership, headed by incoming chairman Cris Abrego.
The Banijay chairman of the Americas, who has chaired the organization’s foundation since 2020, was running unopposed. He succeeds producer Frank Scherma, who has termed out after four years.
Additionally, the Television Academy has added the title of CEO to its president Maury McIntyre renewing his contract through 2026. Chief financial officer and chief operating officer Heather Cochran and chief marketing officer and svp, media and brand management Susan Spencer have extended their contracts through 2025.
The entrepreneurial Abrego is interested in using his post to help innovate the television business model for sustainability and equity, according to a source close to him. During a keynote at MIPCOM last month, he and Eva Longoria announced the launch of Banijay-backed Hyphenate Media Group, a production company that also will invest in a portfolio of multihyphenate creator-led banners. As with past Academy heads,...
The Banijay chairman of the Americas, who has chaired the organization’s foundation since 2020, was running unopposed. He succeeds producer Frank Scherma, who has termed out after four years.
Additionally, the Television Academy has added the title of CEO to its president Maury McIntyre renewing his contract through 2026. Chief financial officer and chief operating officer Heather Cochran and chief marketing officer and svp, media and brand management Susan Spencer have extended their contracts through 2025.
The entrepreneurial Abrego is interested in using his post to help innovate the television business model for sustainability and equity, according to a source close to him. During a keynote at MIPCOM last month, he and Eva Longoria announced the launch of Banijay-backed Hyphenate Media Group, a production company that also will invest in a portfolio of multihyphenate creator-led banners. As with past Academy heads,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran TV exec, producer and entrepreneur Cris Abrego can add another line to his growing list of titles: Chairman of the Television Academy. Abrego was elected to the post on Thursday night by the org’s Board of Governors, as the TV Academy also firmed up its roster of officers and governors for the board’s 2024-2025 term.
Abrego is the chairman of the Americas at global production company Banijay, and also recently partnered with Eva Longoria to launch Hyphenate Media Group, where he serves as CEO. At the TV Academy, Abrego will begin his two-year term as chairman on Jan. 1.
“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said in a statement. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the...
Abrego is the chairman of the Americas at global production company Banijay, and also recently partnered with Eva Longoria to launch Hyphenate Media Group, where he serves as CEO. At the TV Academy, Abrego will begin his two-year term as chairman on Jan. 1.
“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said in a statement. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the...
- 11/17/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Cris Abrego has officially got the top job at the Television Academy. The top reality producer has been elected by the Board of Governors as its chairman for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024. He succeeds Frank Scherma, who was no longer eligible after serving two terns as chairman.
The Academy also announced its newly elected officers and governors for the 2024-2025 term. Additionally, TV Academy President Maury McIntyre has added CEO to his title as he has renewed his contract through 2026. Chief Financial Officer Heather Cochran has also been named Chief Operating Officer. She and Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Media & Brand Management Susan Spencer have extended their contracts through 2025
Deadline revealed last week that Abrego was poised to become Chairman of the Primetime Emmys operator. We hear that he was running uncontested, one of the reasons why he was expected to score the top job. He also had...
The Academy also announced its newly elected officers and governors for the 2024-2025 term. Additionally, TV Academy President Maury McIntyre has added CEO to his title as he has renewed his contract through 2026. Chief Financial Officer Heather Cochran has also been named Chief Operating Officer. She and Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Media & Brand Management Susan Spencer have extended their contracts through 2025
Deadline revealed last week that Abrego was poised to become Chairman of the Primetime Emmys operator. We hear that he was running uncontested, one of the reasons why he was expected to score the top job. He also had...
- 11/17/2023
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Cris Abrego, the longtime Banijay U.S. chief who recently set up his own production group with Eva Longoria, is expected to become the new boss of the TV Academy.
Deadline understands Abrego is the frontrunner for the position. The election to name the next boss is set to be held next week but sources have told Deadline that Abrego is already being talked about by some as the next Chairman and CEO of the Primetime Emmys operator.
He is expected to replace Frank Scherma, the co-founder of RadicalMedia, who was “termed out” after running the TV Academy for the past four years.
Abrego’s appointment would further raise the profile on unscripted television at the Emmys as he is the first Television Academy chair to come from the reality TV world.
His appointment is not a major surprise as Abrego has been involved with the Television Academy for a number of years.
Deadline understands Abrego is the frontrunner for the position. The election to name the next boss is set to be held next week but sources have told Deadline that Abrego is already being talked about by some as the next Chairman and CEO of the Primetime Emmys operator.
He is expected to replace Frank Scherma, the co-founder of RadicalMedia, who was “termed out” after running the TV Academy for the past four years.
Abrego’s appointment would further raise the profile on unscripted television at the Emmys as he is the first Television Academy chair to come from the reality TV world.
His appointment is not a major surprise as Abrego has been involved with the Television Academy for a number of years.
- 11/10/2023
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hollywood Reporter celebrated Latin leaders across film, television and music at its inaugural Latin Power Event, held Wednesday afternoon at Soho Beach House in Miami. Created in conjunction with the release of THR’s Latin Power Issue, the event honored actress America Ferrera, who received the award for advocacy and representation; Cris Abrego, chairman of Banijay America Group and president and CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings and co-founder and CEO of Hypenate Media Group, who was recognized in the area of executive leadership; actor and restauranteur Danny Trejo, who was honored for entrepreneurship and philanthropy; and Emilio and Gloria Estefan, who received the award for lifetime achievement in the arts.
During a panel discussion moderated by Noticias Telemundo anchor Johana Suárez, honorees shared their experiences navigating the entertainment industry, with each paying respect to the Estefans, who were both born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States where they later met,...
During a panel discussion moderated by Noticias Telemundo anchor Johana Suárez, honorees shared their experiences navigating the entertainment industry, with each paying respect to the Estefans, who were both born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States where they later met,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cris Abrego, quite fittingly, has had one of the more surreal career trajectories in entertainment. A reality producer who got his start logging tapes for Road Rules before going on to create aughts hits such as Flavor of Love, Celebrity Paranormal Project and The Surreal Life, he segued to the C-suite after the 2008 acquisition of his 51 Minds Entertainment shingle by Dutch-based multiplatform media company Endemol. “I certainly felt something shift when I sold my first business,” says Abrego, who was 36 at the time. “To have that kind of windfall at that age was life-changing.”
Rather than rest on those early laurels, the East Los Angeles native was “hungry to do it all again,” and he not only survived subsequent corporate mergers and acquisitions but steadily rose through the ranks, becoming CEO of Endemol Shine North America and now chairman of French media behemoth Banijay’s North American operations, where he...
Rather than rest on those early laurels, the East Los Angeles native was “hungry to do it all again,” and he not only survived subsequent corporate mergers and acquisitions but steadily rose through the ranks, becoming CEO of Endemol Shine North America and now chairman of French media behemoth Banijay’s North American operations, where he...
- 11/8/2023
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There was an unmistakable sense of opportunity in the air last week as international media movers and shakers convened in Cannes for the annual Mipcom market and conference.
Big European players in particular sense that openings are starting to emerge in what had been rigid business models and licensing protocols for the largest streaming platforms. The rush to cut costs and consolidate operations in the U.S. means that demand will be strong for imported content, ranging from unscripted shows in all shapes, formats and sizes as well as scripted series that can be offered a relatively low price point for U.S. buyers.
This was the big takeaway for me after three days of meetings, interviews, receptions and dinners on the beautiful Cote d’Azur. On the way home, I combined my passion for train travel with my love of yakking about the media business by capturing my thoughts...
Big European players in particular sense that openings are starting to emerge in what had been rigid business models and licensing protocols for the largest streaming platforms. The rush to cut costs and consolidate operations in the U.S. means that demand will be strong for imported content, ranging from unscripted shows in all shapes, formats and sizes as well as scripted series that can be offered a relatively low price point for U.S. buyers.
This was the big takeaway for me after three days of meetings, interviews, receptions and dinners on the beautiful Cote d’Azur. On the way home, I combined my passion for train travel with my love of yakking about the media business by capturing my thoughts...
- 10/26/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Rock of Love reality series and spin-offs like Flavor of Love built a hardcore fandom. Now fans can dig in deep thanks to Lacey Sculls, the fearless redhead from Vh-1’s top-rated shows, Rock of Love with Bret Michaels, and Charm School with Sharon Osbourne.
Sculls dished with Showbiz Cheat Sheet about the launch of her Storm TV network, which allows commercial-free access to just about every Of Love series imaginable. Plus, Sculls hopes the network continues to build the fan community so fans can communicate and interact with each other.
“I knew that the Of Love fans were missing these shows immensely, so I wanted to create a platform specifically for them,” Sculls said.
If you’re longing for that nostalgic feeling, and you like your escapism interruption-free, Storm TV is one of the few platforms where subscribers can watch both Rock of Love and Flavor of Love with no commercials.
Sculls dished with Showbiz Cheat Sheet about the launch of her Storm TV network, which allows commercial-free access to just about every Of Love series imaginable. Plus, Sculls hopes the network continues to build the fan community so fans can communicate and interact with each other.
“I knew that the Of Love fans were missing these shows immensely, so I wanted to create a platform specifically for them,” Sculls said.
If you’re longing for that nostalgic feeling, and you like your escapism interruption-free, Storm TV is one of the few platforms where subscribers can watch both Rock of Love and Flavor of Love with no commercials.
- 10/20/2023
- by Gina Ragusa
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For Eva Longoria to have the chance to direct “Flamin’ Hot,” she says she had to “overcome the stigma of being a dumb actor.”
“I’m more than the actor you know from TV,” she tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I’ve been directing for 12 years. I started with short films. I directed episodic TV, half-hours, one-hours, dramas, comedies, baby pilots, and big pilots. I’ve touched every rung of the ladder.”
On this Variety Awards Circuit Podcast episode, we sit with Longoria to discuss the chance to helm the inspirational true story of a Latino who achieved the American dream. In addition, the Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the continuation of the SAG-AFTRA strikes and how that will affect the awards season, with actors unable to campaign.
Listen below:
The “Desperate Housewives” alum is making her feature directorial debut with “Flamin’ Hot,” an inspirational story about a Frito-Lay janitor who invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
“I’m more than the actor you know from TV,” she tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I’ve been directing for 12 years. I started with short films. I directed episodic TV, half-hours, one-hours, dramas, comedies, baby pilots, and big pilots. I’ve touched every rung of the ladder.”
On this Variety Awards Circuit Podcast episode, we sit with Longoria to discuss the chance to helm the inspirational true story of a Latino who achieved the American dream. In addition, the Awards Circuit Roundtable discusses the continuation of the SAG-AFTRA strikes and how that will affect the awards season, with actors unable to campaign.
Listen below:
The “Desperate Housewives” alum is making her feature directorial debut with “Flamin’ Hot,” an inspirational story about a Frito-Lay janitor who invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
- 10/19/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Another Mipcom is nearing the finish line, with tired and weary sales execs catching their flights or following up on leads from the comfort of their own homes or offices today. Set against a backdrop of ongoing labor action in the U.S. and a European TV sector hit hard by recession, the annual Cannes confab was billed as one that would prove content licensing was back with a bang (more on that below) and there was evidence of this on the ground. The focus on co-productions and emerging technologies such as AI and Fast channels also pointed to a mixed ecology for international TV, as sales houses looked for new ways to distribute their content. There was much talk of how the era of content mega-spend is over, with expensive limited miniseries not expected to be a key focus for streamers going forwards.. Here, we’ve boiled down the key trends and talking points from telly’s biggest get-together.
Correction & contraction L to R: Paramount’s Dan Cohen, Lisa Kramer and Bob Bakish
It was all anyone could talk about really. As buyers sniffed out the best deals and sellers gathered to flog their wares, there was an across-the-board recognition that never again will the market be able to sustain the mass proliferation of content that hit the TV industry in the early part of this decade. With market correction comes falling budgets and content licensing has only become more crucial (remember the forecasted death of distribution?), attendees said time and time again, reiterating the importance that Mipcom plays in the annual TV calendar. Paramount boss Bob Bakish (above right) used his Personality of the Year acceptance speech to passionately reaffirm the Yellowstone giant’s commitment to content licensing. “While our peers were pulling back content and putting up walled gardens, we never left,” he said. BBC Studios distribution boss Rebecca Glashow, meanwhile, was bullish in the face of the contraction, positing that “moments like this are when creativity comes back for the industry” on a panel alongside content boss Ralph Lee. Those Deadline spoke with in private were perhaps a little less bullish, with many uncertain about the futures of their respective local production businesses and the wider international TV sector. With the actors strike rumbling on, there was a general feeling of concern that buyers are rowing back to the extent that the production sector may have to quite dramatically shrink, while commissioners’ current penchant for risk aversion was repeatedly raised as “problematic.” The death of the high-end limited series was floated by many, as buyers stressed the need for populist content that can be returnable at a decent price point. The phrase “escapist content” was uttered to us more than once. This also follows the line we’ve heard several times over recent months that while the labor strikes could have alerted U.S. producers to the cheaper costs of shooting in Europe, it hasn’t actually played out that way. On a Deadline-chaired panel yesterday, The X Files EP Frank Spotnitz said budgets had become “obnoxious” in recent years following the entrance of the streamers, as he communicated fears that recent industry diversity gains could be impacted by these shifts. There was a sense, from producers, that they will need to hold firm and ride this out, with commissioning levels over the coming 12 months very hard to predict.
Eva the professional Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego during their keynote on Monday
Delegates crammed into the Grand Auditorium on Monday afternoon to catch sight of Desperate Housewives actress, producer and activist Eva Longoria, who used her keynote alongside Banijay Americas Chair Cris Abrego to announce a Banijay-backed venture, Hyphenate Media Group. The name represents the multi-hyphenate working lives of its owners — Longoria referred to herself as a “producer-director who fell into acting,” while Abrego is known for his formational role in Hollywood-made reality TV, C-suite roles and as a best-selling author. “That multi-hyphenate is not surviving in Hollywood because the industry wants you to stay in your lane, particularly women,” said Longoria of why she launched the new biz. “I realized it’s not just me who feels this way. I know creators who are being suffocated by the system so Hyphenate will create the ultimate model.” Abrego remains in his role at Banijay, which brought dozens of top-level execs to Cannes, and will divide his time between the jobs. Hyphenate has also consolidated Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment into the fold. On stage, the pair used the word “hyphenate” a dizzying amount of times, with Abrego explaining that both have had to duck and weave through Hollywood to become two of the town’s highest profile Latino entertainment figures. Elsewhere, the ever-captivating EbonyLife CEO Mo Abudu touched on similar themes of othering when she called out commissioners for refusing to consider African stories — and, by extension, budgets — in the same breath as those from the U.S. and Europe.
To the Max
At Deadline Towers at least, there had been real anticipation about Gerhard Zeiler’s Monday Morning Media Mastermind address. Appearing alongside Emea streaming chief Leah Hooper Rosa, the Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) President of International came into his talk off the back of a series of top-levels management departures and with the industry itching to learn when they could expect Max to replace HBO Max internationally. Zeiler dealt with the second point in detail but not the first. He revealed 22 Max launches in Europe next year (these territories already have HBO Max) along with a second wave later in 2024 that will include France and Belgium. Zeiler also touched on synergies. When Warner Bros and Discovery merged, David Zaslav talked about $3B in savings through synergies, and though the company has faced huge criticism for thousands of redundancies, yanking shows off of streamers and cancelling film releases to service that strategy, the figure has steadily risen. Zeiler, somewhat provocatively, revealed the $3B figure was now “on the way” to $5B, adding: “Who knows where we will end up?” However, there was nothing was said on the exits of Priya Dogra, Robert Blair and others in Europe, which was somewhat surprising given the high-profile nature of these departures.
Kids are alright “Cocomelon”
Never has owning recognizable IP been more important, and in few genres is IP more important than in children’s. With a well-attended Mip Junior once again preceding the main confab, multiple sources told Deadline they were eager to push into the sometimes-lucrative kids content game, and execs from the likes of Candle Media-backed Cocomelon outfit Moonbug spoke confidently. The recent rejig in streamer focus from subscriber growth to retention is a boon for kids content, one producer suggested. “Now it’s all about keeping families on the platform, and you need a strong children’s library to do that,” they added. Recent moves from some of the European majors in this space have been intriguing. Just prior to Mipcom, Studiocanal promoted TV boss Françoise Guyonnet to CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands, signaling a move into children’s IP, while BBC Studios’ Lee and Glashow talked up the outfit’s recent decision to commercialize its kids production outfit. “Broadcasters and commissioners are falling back behind known IP,” added Lee of the thinking behind the decision. Kids IP is certainly known, and it appears we’ll be hearing plenty more from this section of the market over the coming months.
Deals & projects
Mipcom has changed a fair bit over the years and TV deals really have become a 365-days-per-year business but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some juicy handshakes and buzzy projects for delegates to their teeth into through the early part of the week. Leading the charge, we revealed James Franco-starring Mena TV series penned by Shades of Blue scribe Adi Hasak. On Sunday, we told you about Beach House Pictures doc Lost and Banijay Rights taking on Shine director Scott Hicks‘ projects about musician Ben Folds. Mediawan struck European deals for high-profile premiere series Zorro, Fremantle did similar for Channel 4 format The Piano and Planet Earth III sold to Australia. Perhaps the most fun market project doing the rounds was our exclusive on The Wombles being remade for TV, while we also brought news of Fast & Furious star Sung Kang’s The Ride Life doc series, a feature on Israel’s Supernova Music festival – site of the October 7 massacre – and Vix’s Todo Lo Que Fuimos. Plenty more here.
By the numbers Valery Hache/Afp via Getty Images
According to organizer Rx France, the 39th edition of the international sales and co-pro market attracted 11,000 executives from 100 countries, up by 200 from the 2022 figure. It’s always hard to know exactly how accurate figures like this are with an event of this scale, but it’s impossible to deny there wasn’t buzz and activity around non-stop. Keynotes were well attended and occasionally standing-room only but some still have seating sections closed off to fill space closer to speakers. Crucially, Rx noted more than 3,500 buyers were in town, which is important given all the talk around the return of third-party sales and co-pros. “Given the buzz from the stands, what the leaders have said on stage, and the sheer volume of content deals done, it is clear that third party sales and distribution are back,” was the way Mipcom Cannes Director Lucy Smith put it in a statement. “That concentration of activity in one place, at one time, can only be a catalyst to the international market overall,” she added. One criticism we heard on the ground from several sources was a perceived lack of U.S. companies present — though with the likes of Paramount and NBCUniversal coming out in force, and Disney back on the block in a more visible way, Rx might push back against that. Deadline also understands Netflix sent a small delegation, who kept fairly under the radar. The company can also point to its statistic that U.S. buyers made up the largest chunk, followed by the UK, France, Germany and Spain. Other numbers to chew on: More than 320 companies exhibited in and around the Palais des Festivals, including 31 pavilions (50 made their market debuts). China sent its biggest delegation since 2019 as it was named Country of Honour, comprising more than 300 delegates from 40 companies. Middle Eastern participation was up 50% year-on-year, a surprising stat given Israeli companies didn’t attend due to the ongoing conflict there, but we hear there was more presence from Turkey, the UAE and the wider Gcc region offsetting that fall. Security was tight with France on high alert following the murder of a school teacher following the Hamas-led attack on Israel, and queues to enter the Palais often snaked well back towards the marina. As Deadline headed out of town, eight airports (six when at the time of reporting yesterday) including the Cannes-friendly Nice, were evacuated as security threats were identified. Smith addressed the conflict just prior to Zeiler’s Monday keynote, saying her heart goes out to the thousands who have died and stressing the additional security.
Correction & contraction L to R: Paramount’s Dan Cohen, Lisa Kramer and Bob Bakish
It was all anyone could talk about really. As buyers sniffed out the best deals and sellers gathered to flog their wares, there was an across-the-board recognition that never again will the market be able to sustain the mass proliferation of content that hit the TV industry in the early part of this decade. With market correction comes falling budgets and content licensing has only become more crucial (remember the forecasted death of distribution?), attendees said time and time again, reiterating the importance that Mipcom plays in the annual TV calendar. Paramount boss Bob Bakish (above right) used his Personality of the Year acceptance speech to passionately reaffirm the Yellowstone giant’s commitment to content licensing. “While our peers were pulling back content and putting up walled gardens, we never left,” he said. BBC Studios distribution boss Rebecca Glashow, meanwhile, was bullish in the face of the contraction, positing that “moments like this are when creativity comes back for the industry” on a panel alongside content boss Ralph Lee. Those Deadline spoke with in private were perhaps a little less bullish, with many uncertain about the futures of their respective local production businesses and the wider international TV sector. With the actors strike rumbling on, there was a general feeling of concern that buyers are rowing back to the extent that the production sector may have to quite dramatically shrink, while commissioners’ current penchant for risk aversion was repeatedly raised as “problematic.” The death of the high-end limited series was floated by many, as buyers stressed the need for populist content that can be returnable at a decent price point. The phrase “escapist content” was uttered to us more than once. This also follows the line we’ve heard several times over recent months that while the labor strikes could have alerted U.S. producers to the cheaper costs of shooting in Europe, it hasn’t actually played out that way. On a Deadline-chaired panel yesterday, The X Files EP Frank Spotnitz said budgets had become “obnoxious” in recent years following the entrance of the streamers, as he communicated fears that recent industry diversity gains could be impacted by these shifts. There was a sense, from producers, that they will need to hold firm and ride this out, with commissioning levels over the coming 12 months very hard to predict.
Eva the professional Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego during their keynote on Monday
Delegates crammed into the Grand Auditorium on Monday afternoon to catch sight of Desperate Housewives actress, producer and activist Eva Longoria, who used her keynote alongside Banijay Americas Chair Cris Abrego to announce a Banijay-backed venture, Hyphenate Media Group. The name represents the multi-hyphenate working lives of its owners — Longoria referred to herself as a “producer-director who fell into acting,” while Abrego is known for his formational role in Hollywood-made reality TV, C-suite roles and as a best-selling author. “That multi-hyphenate is not surviving in Hollywood because the industry wants you to stay in your lane, particularly women,” said Longoria of why she launched the new biz. “I realized it’s not just me who feels this way. I know creators who are being suffocated by the system so Hyphenate will create the ultimate model.” Abrego remains in his role at Banijay, which brought dozens of top-level execs to Cannes, and will divide his time between the jobs. Hyphenate has also consolidated Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment into the fold. On stage, the pair used the word “hyphenate” a dizzying amount of times, with Abrego explaining that both have had to duck and weave through Hollywood to become two of the town’s highest profile Latino entertainment figures. Elsewhere, the ever-captivating EbonyLife CEO Mo Abudu touched on similar themes of othering when she called out commissioners for refusing to consider African stories — and, by extension, budgets — in the same breath as those from the U.S. and Europe.
To the Max
At Deadline Towers at least, there had been real anticipation about Gerhard Zeiler’s Monday Morning Media Mastermind address. Appearing alongside Emea streaming chief Leah Hooper Rosa, the Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) President of International came into his talk off the back of a series of top-levels management departures and with the industry itching to learn when they could expect Max to replace HBO Max internationally. Zeiler dealt with the second point in detail but not the first. He revealed 22 Max launches in Europe next year (these territories already have HBO Max) along with a second wave later in 2024 that will include France and Belgium. Zeiler also touched on synergies. When Warner Bros and Discovery merged, David Zaslav talked about $3B in savings through synergies, and though the company has faced huge criticism for thousands of redundancies, yanking shows off of streamers and cancelling film releases to service that strategy, the figure has steadily risen. Zeiler, somewhat provocatively, revealed the $3B figure was now “on the way” to $5B, adding: “Who knows where we will end up?” However, there was nothing was said on the exits of Priya Dogra, Robert Blair and others in Europe, which was somewhat surprising given the high-profile nature of these departures.
Kids are alright “Cocomelon”
Never has owning recognizable IP been more important, and in few genres is IP more important than in children’s. With a well-attended Mip Junior once again preceding the main confab, multiple sources told Deadline they were eager to push into the sometimes-lucrative kids content game, and execs from the likes of Candle Media-backed Cocomelon outfit Moonbug spoke confidently. The recent rejig in streamer focus from subscriber growth to retention is a boon for kids content, one producer suggested. “Now it’s all about keeping families on the platform, and you need a strong children’s library to do that,” they added. Recent moves from some of the European majors in this space have been intriguing. Just prior to Mipcom, Studiocanal promoted TV boss Françoise Guyonnet to CEO Copyrights Group and EVP Kids’ Brands, signaling a move into children’s IP, while BBC Studios’ Lee and Glashow talked up the outfit’s recent decision to commercialize its kids production outfit. “Broadcasters and commissioners are falling back behind known IP,” added Lee of the thinking behind the decision. Kids IP is certainly known, and it appears we’ll be hearing plenty more from this section of the market over the coming months.
Deals & projects
Mipcom has changed a fair bit over the years and TV deals really have become a 365-days-per-year business but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some juicy handshakes and buzzy projects for delegates to their teeth into through the early part of the week. Leading the charge, we revealed James Franco-starring Mena TV series penned by Shades of Blue scribe Adi Hasak. On Sunday, we told you about Beach House Pictures doc Lost and Banijay Rights taking on Shine director Scott Hicks‘ projects about musician Ben Folds. Mediawan struck European deals for high-profile premiere series Zorro, Fremantle did similar for Channel 4 format The Piano and Planet Earth III sold to Australia. Perhaps the most fun market project doing the rounds was our exclusive on The Wombles being remade for TV, while we also brought news of Fast & Furious star Sung Kang’s The Ride Life doc series, a feature on Israel’s Supernova Music festival – site of the October 7 massacre – and Vix’s Todo Lo Que Fuimos. Plenty more here.
By the numbers Valery Hache/Afp via Getty Images
According to organizer Rx France, the 39th edition of the international sales and co-pro market attracted 11,000 executives from 100 countries, up by 200 from the 2022 figure. It’s always hard to know exactly how accurate figures like this are with an event of this scale, but it’s impossible to deny there wasn’t buzz and activity around non-stop. Keynotes were well attended and occasionally standing-room only but some still have seating sections closed off to fill space closer to speakers. Crucially, Rx noted more than 3,500 buyers were in town, which is important given all the talk around the return of third-party sales and co-pros. “Given the buzz from the stands, what the leaders have said on stage, and the sheer volume of content deals done, it is clear that third party sales and distribution are back,” was the way Mipcom Cannes Director Lucy Smith put it in a statement. “That concentration of activity in one place, at one time, can only be a catalyst to the international market overall,” she added. One criticism we heard on the ground from several sources was a perceived lack of U.S. companies present — though with the likes of Paramount and NBCUniversal coming out in force, and Disney back on the block in a more visible way, Rx might push back against that. Deadline also understands Netflix sent a small delegation, who kept fairly under the radar. The company can also point to its statistic that U.S. buyers made up the largest chunk, followed by the UK, France, Germany and Spain. Other numbers to chew on: More than 320 companies exhibited in and around the Palais des Festivals, including 31 pavilions (50 made their market debuts). China sent its biggest delegation since 2019 as it was named Country of Honour, comprising more than 300 delegates from 40 companies. Middle Eastern participation was up 50% year-on-year, a surprising stat given Israeli companies didn’t attend due to the ongoing conflict there, but we hear there was more presence from Turkey, the UAE and the wider Gcc region offsetting that fall. Security was tight with France on high alert following the murder of a school teacher following the Hamas-led attack on Israel, and queues to enter the Palais often snaked well back towards the marina. As Deadline headed out of town, eight airports (six when at the time of reporting yesterday) including the Cannes-friendly Nice, were evacuated as security threats were identified. Smith addressed the conflict just prior to Zeiler’s Monday keynote, saying her heart goes out to the thousands who have died and stressing the additional security.
- 10/19/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“It’s been a really buzzy and busy market,” said Lucy Smith, director of Mipcom TV market and conference, and MipJunior, the kids TV event that preceded it, in Cannes Wednesday.
More than 11,000 participants from more than 100 countries had come to the event, which runs Oct. 16-19. This was slightly up on last year’s total, which was 10,800, and represents the third consecutive year of growth. There are 3,567 buyers at Mipcom, which is an increase of 10% on last year.
“I think that really does underline this renewal of third-party distribution,” she said. “And we’re showing that the platforms can coexist and flourish within the wealth of companies.”
In order of the numbers of participants by country, it is the U.S. first, followed by the U.K., France, Germany and Spain. China, the country of honor, is represented by more than 300 participants from 40 companies, the biggest Chinese delegations since before the pandemic,...
More than 11,000 participants from more than 100 countries had come to the event, which runs Oct. 16-19. This was slightly up on last year’s total, which was 10,800, and represents the third consecutive year of growth. There are 3,567 buyers at Mipcom, which is an increase of 10% on last year.
“I think that really does underline this renewal of third-party distribution,” she said. “And we’re showing that the platforms can coexist and flourish within the wealth of companies.”
In order of the numbers of participants by country, it is the U.S. first, followed by the U.K., France, Germany and Spain. China, the country of honor, is represented by more than 300 participants from 40 companies, the biggest Chinese delegations since before the pandemic,...
- 10/18/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Launch of scripted focused label announced at Mipcom.
Actor, director and producer Eva Longoria has teamed with producer Cris Abrego to launch scripted focused outfit Hyphenate Media Group.
The new venture will invest in creator-led enterprises as well as develop and produce its own slate of original programming. Abrego will serve as the CEO of the company, and Longoria as chief creative officer.
Banijay, where Abrego has been chairman of the Americas since 2020, has made a strategic investment in the new business to accelerate its growth.
The launch announcement was made by Abrego and Longoria during a keynote at Mipcom.
Actor, director and producer Eva Longoria has teamed with producer Cris Abrego to launch scripted focused outfit Hyphenate Media Group.
The new venture will invest in creator-led enterprises as well as develop and produce its own slate of original programming. Abrego will serve as the CEO of the company, and Longoria as chief creative officer.
Banijay, where Abrego has been chairman of the Americas since 2020, has made a strategic investment in the new business to accelerate its growth.
The launch announcement was made by Abrego and Longoria during a keynote at Mipcom.
- 10/16/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego have known each other for 20 years. As two of entertainment’s most prominent Latino figures, they have developed a strong friendship around shared experiences and a similar passion for nurturing creative talent.
At long last, actor-director-producer Longoria and Abrego, the veteran unscripted producer and executive, have joined forces to launch Hyphenate Media Group, a company that will be part production company, part talent scouting agency and part business incubator. Banijay, where Abrego serves as chairman of the Americas, has made a strategic investment in the company. Abrego will remain in his executive role with the French production giant even as he devotes his time to building Hyphenate.
“With Hyphenate Media Group, Eva and I are building an engine for culture-defining content by investing in visionary multi-hyphenate artists and providing these extraordinary creative leaders with the resources and infrastructure they need to scale their businesses,” Abrego said.
At long last, actor-director-producer Longoria and Abrego, the veteran unscripted producer and executive, have joined forces to launch Hyphenate Media Group, a company that will be part production company, part talent scouting agency and part business incubator. Banijay, where Abrego serves as chairman of the Americas, has made a strategic investment in the company. Abrego will remain in his executive role with the French production giant even as he devotes his time to building Hyphenate.
“With Hyphenate Media Group, Eva and I are building an engine for culture-defining content by investing in visionary multi-hyphenate artists and providing these extraordinary creative leaders with the resources and infrastructure they need to scale their businesses,” Abrego said.
- 10/16/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego, two of the most high-profile Latinos in Hollywood, have joined forces.
The pair have launched Hyphenate Media Group, a new Banijay-backed venture that will develop and produce its own slate as well as invest in creator-led companies.
The company, which has been in the works for months, was announced during a keynote with the duo, who have been friends for years, at Mipcom.
Abrego will serve as the CEO of the company, and Longoria will serve as its Chief Creative Officer.
As part of its launch, Hyphenate has acquired the full slate of Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which has been behind series such as NBC’s Telenovela, ABC’s Grand Hotel, and CNN’s Searching for Mexico.
As such, Hyphenate will take on Apple TV+’s Land of Women, a six-part series starring and exec produced by the Desperate Housewives star that will launch in...
The pair have launched Hyphenate Media Group, a new Banijay-backed venture that will develop and produce its own slate as well as invest in creator-led companies.
The company, which has been in the works for months, was announced during a keynote with the duo, who have been friends for years, at Mipcom.
Abrego will serve as the CEO of the company, and Longoria will serve as its Chief Creative Officer.
As part of its launch, Hyphenate has acquired the full slate of Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which has been behind series such as NBC’s Telenovela, ABC’s Grand Hotel, and CNN’s Searching for Mexico.
As such, Hyphenate will take on Apple TV+’s Land of Women, a six-part series starring and exec produced by the Desperate Housewives star that will launch in...
- 10/16/2023
- by Peter White and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Another year, another crossroads for the content business. As buyers and sellers gather in Cannes this week for Mipcom, change is in the air yet again on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the U.S., the largest media conglomerates are all in rebuilding mode, even the mighty Disney. The Europe and the U.K., on the other hand, the sense of opportunity is palpable as the largest streamers fight to compete on a global scale that has opened up doors for non-English language content.
The conference will kick off with Gerhard Zeiler, Warner Bros. Discovery’s president of international, who will unveil roll out plans for its standalone service, Max, across Europe, including in France where local originals have been commissioned. Wbd made headlines in the run up to Mipcom due to an exodus of top-ranking executives that has made way to a new leadership structure for global markets.
In the U.S., the largest media conglomerates are all in rebuilding mode, even the mighty Disney. The Europe and the U.K., on the other hand, the sense of opportunity is palpable as the largest streamers fight to compete on a global scale that has opened up doors for non-English language content.
The conference will kick off with Gerhard Zeiler, Warner Bros. Discovery’s president of international, who will unveil roll out plans for its standalone service, Max, across Europe, including in France where local originals have been commissioned. Wbd made headlines in the run up to Mipcom due to an exodus of top-ranking executives that has made way to a new leadership structure for global markets.
- 10/16/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
There’s change on the high seas of Banijay.
Christian Sarabia, President of 51 Minds Entertainment, the production company behind Bravo hit Below Deck, is stepping down from the Banijay Americas-owned business.
Julie Pizzi, President of fellow Banijay-backed firm Bunim/Murray, will add overseeing 51 Minds to her responsibilities running the Real World producer.
It is the latest change for the group; earlier this year, Cris Abrego, who founded 51 Minds, stepped down as CEO of Banijay Americas with Ben Samek taking over that role and Abrego remaining as Chairman. There’s been much speculation about Abrego’s own role in recent months.
Sarabia has been with 51 Minds for many years, having produced series such as The Surreal Life and Flavor of Love. He took the reins at the company in 2014 after Abrego became one of the top execs at the-then titled Endemol North America and the departure of co-founder Mark Cronin.
Christian Sarabia, President of 51 Minds Entertainment, the production company behind Bravo hit Below Deck, is stepping down from the Banijay Americas-owned business.
Julie Pizzi, President of fellow Banijay-backed firm Bunim/Murray, will add overseeing 51 Minds to her responsibilities running the Real World producer.
It is the latest change for the group; earlier this year, Cris Abrego, who founded 51 Minds, stepped down as CEO of Banijay Americas with Ben Samek taking over that role and Abrego remaining as Chairman. There’s been much speculation about Abrego’s own role in recent months.
Sarabia has been with 51 Minds for many years, having produced series such as The Surreal Life and Flavor of Love. He took the reins at the company in 2014 after Abrego became one of the top execs at the-then titled Endemol North America and the departure of co-founder Mark Cronin.
- 9/29/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Desperate Housewives star and producer Eva Longoria will deliver a joint keynote at Mipcom Cannes next month.
Alongside Banijay Americas Chairman Cris Abrego, the Emmy-nominated director, producer, and activist will delve into the latest themes defining the entertainment industry, forecasting how they may shape the future both creatively and commercially.
The keynote will take place in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on Monday, October 16 at 4pm local time, as part of Mipcom’s Media Masterminds track.
Longoria and Abrego have been professional collaborators for more than two decades. Their talk will highlight their experiences and insights as industry leaders.
Besides her acting roles, Longoria has run her own production business UnbeliEVAble Entertainment since 2005. The company is behind ABC’s Grand Hotel, NBC’s Telenovela, and Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated documentary Reversing Row, and culinary docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico for CNN. She made her...
Alongside Banijay Americas Chairman Cris Abrego, the Emmy-nominated director, producer, and activist will delve into the latest themes defining the entertainment industry, forecasting how they may shape the future both creatively and commercially.
The keynote will take place in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on Monday, October 16 at 4pm local time, as part of Mipcom’s Media Masterminds track.
Longoria and Abrego have been professional collaborators for more than two decades. Their talk will highlight their experiences and insights as industry leaders.
Besides her acting roles, Longoria has run her own production business UnbeliEVAble Entertainment since 2005. The company is behind ABC’s Grand Hotel, NBC’s Telenovela, and Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated documentary Reversing Row, and culinary docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico for CNN. She made her...
- 9/20/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Profiles by Seth Abramovitch, Gary Baum, Evan Nicole Brown, Tyler Coates, Kirsten Chuba, Aaron Couch, Scott Feinberg, Mesfin Fekadu, Mia Galuppo, James Hibberd, Rebecca Keegan, Sydney Odman, Rick Porter, Lacey Rose, Julian Sancton, Rebecca Sun and Beatrice Verhoeven
Cris Abrego & Karla Pita Loor Cris Abrego and Karla Pita Loor
Banijay Americas
Abrego is one of the top-ranking Latino execs in English-language media, and Pita Loor is the board chair of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, a major conduit for industry players who are invested in improving inclusion. Under their leadership, Banijay Americas has stepped up initiatives to help people from historically excluded backgrounds break into entertainment. “This work has both financial and cultural bottom lines, and those are not only equally important but also inextricably connected,” says Abrego of the content business. “Success requires attention to both.”
I’m excited about …
Abrego “Mindy Kaling is just laugh-out-loud funny...
Cris Abrego & Karla Pita Loor Cris Abrego and Karla Pita Loor
Banijay Americas
Abrego is one of the top-ranking Latino execs in English-language media, and Pita Loor is the board chair of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, a major conduit for industry players who are invested in improving inclusion. Under their leadership, Banijay Americas has stepped up initiatives to help people from historically excluded backgrounds break into entertainment. “This work has both financial and cultural bottom lines, and those are not only equally important but also inextricably connected,” says Abrego of the content business. “Success requires attention to both.”
I’m excited about …
Abrego “Mindy Kaling is just laugh-out-loud funny...
- 5/31/2023
- by Ashley Cullins, Editor and Mikey O'Connell, Editor
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Indian Matchmaking” Season 3 will premiere April 21 on Netflix, the streamer announced Tuesday. Mumbai’s matchmaker Sima Taparia returns to help single millennials around the world find love, employing decades-worth of experience and traditional methods. This season, Sima’s matchmaking touch will reach from New York to New Delhi, Miami to London, as well as clients both old and new. “Indian Matchmaking” premiered its first season in July 2020. The show is executive produced by Aaron Saidman, Eli Holzman, Smriti Mundhra and J.C. Begley.
Check out some first looks of season three below.
Sima Aunty in Episode 1 of “Indian Matchmaking.” (Courtesy of Netflix) “Indian Matchmaking” (Courtesy of Netflix) Viral and Aashay in Episode 1 of “Indian Matchmaking.” (Courtesy of Netflix) Vikash in Episode 1 of “Indian Matchmaking.” (Courtesy of Netflix)
Also in today’s TV news:
First Looks
Netflix’s “Sweet Tooth,” set to premiere April 27, is back with a Season 2 trailer. The series...
Check out some first looks of season three below.
Sima Aunty in Episode 1 of “Indian Matchmaking.” (Courtesy of Netflix) “Indian Matchmaking” (Courtesy of Netflix) Viral and Aashay in Episode 1 of “Indian Matchmaking.” (Courtesy of Netflix) Vikash in Episode 1 of “Indian Matchmaking.” (Courtesy of Netflix)
Also in today’s TV news:
First Looks
Netflix’s “Sweet Tooth,” set to premiere April 27, is back with a Season 2 trailer. The series...
- 3/21/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
There’s a new CEO at Banijay Americas.
Ben Samek has been named chief executive of the European media giant’s North American and South American businesses, which includes a number of production companies that are powerhouse players in the unscripted TV space.
With Samek’s elevation, current Banijay Americas CEO Cris Abrego will shift to a new role as chairman of the Americas for Banijay, focusing on new ventures and acquisitions. Abrego says the change has been in the works since 2020 when Bainjay acquired Endemol Shine North America.
“While freedom from the day-to-day job of CEO will allow me to devote my energy more fully to other pursuits, I assure all of you, I have no intention of slowing down, or even taking a break,” Abrego wrote to Banijay Americas employees in a memo Tuesday. “For me, this change means that I will have the time to focus on...
Ben Samek has been named chief executive of the European media giant’s North American and South American businesses, which includes a number of production companies that are powerhouse players in the unscripted TV space.
With Samek’s elevation, current Banijay Americas CEO Cris Abrego will shift to a new role as chairman of the Americas for Banijay, focusing on new ventures and acquisitions. Abrego says the change has been in the works since 2020 when Bainjay acquired Endemol Shine North America.
“While freedom from the day-to-day job of CEO will allow me to devote my energy more fully to other pursuits, I assure all of you, I have no intention of slowing down, or even taking a break,” Abrego wrote to Banijay Americas employees in a memo Tuesday. “For me, this change means that I will have the time to focus on...
- 2/7/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There’s a change at the top of Banijay’s Americas operation.
The company, which houses a slew of production companies that make shows including Fox’s MasterChef and Amazon’s Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls, has promoted Ben Samek to CEO as Cris Abrego moves out of that role but remaining as Chairman.
It comes as Banijay Americas officially becomes the holding company that oversees the group’s ten production companies in North and South America, which includes Bunim/Murray Productions, Truly Original and 51 Minds Entertainment.
Samek, who was previously President and COO becomes CEO, Banijay Americas with Abrego staying on as Chairman of the Americas.
Abrego will now focus on acquisitions and new business ventures.
Samek joined Endemol USA in 2014 as COO and transitioned to COO of Endemol Shine North America in 2015. Promoted to President and COO for Endemol Shine North America in January...
The company, which houses a slew of production companies that make shows including Fox’s MasterChef and Amazon’s Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls, has promoted Ben Samek to CEO as Cris Abrego moves out of that role but remaining as Chairman.
It comes as Banijay Americas officially becomes the holding company that oversees the group’s ten production companies in North and South America, which includes Bunim/Murray Productions, Truly Original and 51 Minds Entertainment.
Samek, who was previously President and COO becomes CEO, Banijay Americas with Abrego staying on as Chairman of the Americas.
Abrego will now focus on acquisitions and new business ventures.
Samek joined Endemol USA in 2014 as COO and transitioned to COO of Endemol Shine North America in 2015. Promoted to President and COO for Endemol Shine North America in January...
- 2/7/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The NAACP Image Award-nominated film “Memory Builds the Monument” was acquired by Paramount for continuous airings on BET throughout Black History Month. The documentary short, which spotlights the vibrant community of Black artists in the Historic 5th Ward of Houston, Texas, will also be available for streaming on BET+ starting Feb. 1.
The 11-minute film centers around the Houston-based concert venue Club Matinee, which was founded in 1936 amid rampant segregation and racially-driven violence. The musical hotbed became known for hosting legends like Ray Charles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and B.B. King in the early stages of their careers. Simultaneously, director Isaac Yowman uses the short as a vehicle to explore the sociopolitical hardships faced by African Americans living in the South during the civil rights movement.
Yowman, who also doubles as a Grammy-nominated music producer, partnered with nonprofits like Fifth Ward Crc and...
The 11-minute film centers around the Houston-based concert venue Club Matinee, which was founded in 1936 amid rampant segregation and racially-driven violence. The musical hotbed became known for hosting legends like Ray Charles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and B.B. King in the early stages of their careers. Simultaneously, director Isaac Yowman uses the short as a vehicle to explore the sociopolitical hardships faced by African Americans living in the South during the civil rights movement.
Yowman, who also doubles as a Grammy-nominated music producer, partnered with nonprofits like Fifth Ward Crc and...
- 1/31/2023
- by Julia MacCary, Katie Reul and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
The Television Academy named four new members to its board of directors on Monday.
The new members include “Access Hollywood” host Scott Evans, Village Roadshow Entertainment group executive vice president of television Alix Jaffe, Madison Media Management chariman and CEO Paula Williams Madison and Babette Perry, a partner at Innovative Artists’ Broadcast Division, to its board of directors.
Evans, Jaffe, Madison and Perry have been elected to serve three-year terms, effective immediately.
Also Read:
Television Academy Appoints Casey Bloys, Gloria Calderón Kellett to 2023 Executive Committee
Additionally, four officers have been re-elected to the board for two-year terms.
They include Foundation chair, Banijay chairman of the Americas and Endemol Shine Holdings president and CEO Cris Abrego; treasurer and A+E Networks executive vice president of global content sales Deborah Bradley; secretary and Billie Greer Consulting public policy advisor Billie Greer; and vice chair and Bunim/Murray co-founder and executive consultant Jonathan Murray.
The new members include “Access Hollywood” host Scott Evans, Village Roadshow Entertainment group executive vice president of television Alix Jaffe, Madison Media Management chariman and CEO Paula Williams Madison and Babette Perry, a partner at Innovative Artists’ Broadcast Division, to its board of directors.
Evans, Jaffe, Madison and Perry have been elected to serve three-year terms, effective immediately.
Also Read:
Television Academy Appoints Casey Bloys, Gloria Calderón Kellett to 2023 Executive Committee
Additionally, four officers have been re-elected to the board for two-year terms.
They include Foundation chair, Banijay chairman of the Americas and Endemol Shine Holdings president and CEO Cris Abrego; treasurer and A+E Networks executive vice president of global content sales Deborah Bradley; secretary and Billie Greer Consulting public policy advisor Billie Greer; and vice chair and Bunim/Murray co-founder and executive consultant Jonathan Murray.
- 1/30/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The Television Academy on Wednesday announced the 2023 appointees to the group’s executive committee, which advises the Emmys organization on diversity initiatives and other issues faced by leadership throughout the year.
Named to the committee are Casey Bloys, George Cheeks, Pearlena Igbokwe, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Lisa Nishimura and Zack Van Amburg.
“I’m thrilled to welcome these accomplished executives back to serve on our Executive Committee,” Frank Scherma, TV Academy Chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “They will continue to bring their extensive experience and insight to our dynamic organization.”
The Television Academy Board of Governors also elected Peer Group Governors as their representatives on the executive committee for the 2023 term: Eddie Bonin (special visual effects), Debra Curtis (television executives), Jill Dickerson (reality programming) and Troy Underwood (children’s programming). Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy Foundation, will also serve on the committee.
Also Read:
Nickelodeon Animation Voluntarily...
Named to the committee are Casey Bloys, George Cheeks, Pearlena Igbokwe, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Lisa Nishimura and Zack Van Amburg.
“I’m thrilled to welcome these accomplished executives back to serve on our Executive Committee,” Frank Scherma, TV Academy Chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “They will continue to bring their extensive experience and insight to our dynamic organization.”
The Television Academy Board of Governors also elected Peer Group Governors as their representatives on the executive committee for the 2023 term: Eddie Bonin (special visual effects), Debra Curtis (television executives), Jill Dickerson (reality programming) and Troy Underwood (children’s programming). Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy Foundation, will also serve on the committee.
Also Read:
Nickelodeon Animation Voluntarily...
- 1/18/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma of the Television Academy has named his six new appointees to the Executive Committee for 2023.
They will advise on the organization’s diverse initiatives and help lead the Academy throughout the upcoming year.
“I’m thrilled to welcome these accomplished executives back to serve on our Executive Committee,” said Scherma in a statement. “They will continue to bring their extensive experience and insight to our dynamic organization.”
The new committee members are Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max Content; George Cheeks, President and CEO, CBS, and Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+; Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Universal Studio Group; Gloria Calderón Kellett, award-winning writer, producer, director and actress; Lisa Nishimura, Vice President, Independent and Documentary Films at Netflix; and Zack Van Amburg, Chief Content Officer and Head of Worldwide Video for Apple TV+.
Additionally, the Academy’s Board of Governors has elected...
They will advise on the organization’s diverse initiatives and help lead the Academy throughout the upcoming year.
“I’m thrilled to welcome these accomplished executives back to serve on our Executive Committee,” said Scherma in a statement. “They will continue to bring their extensive experience and insight to our dynamic organization.”
The new committee members are Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max Content; George Cheeks, President and CEO, CBS, and Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+; Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Universal Studio Group; Gloria Calderón Kellett, award-winning writer, producer, director and actress; Lisa Nishimura, Vice President, Independent and Documentary Films at Netflix; and Zack Van Amburg, Chief Content Officer and Head of Worldwide Video for Apple TV+.
Additionally, the Academy’s Board of Governors has elected...
- 1/18/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
The Television Academy Foundation today announced it raised over 436,000 at the 22nd Annual Emmys Golf Classic.
Television stars, sports luminaries, entertainment industry executives, Television Academy leadership and corporate partners competed in the golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, Monday, Oct. 3.
Proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit’s renowned Internship and College Television Awards programs that provide industry access and career development opportunities for college students nationwide interested in media careers.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood) and Andia Winslow (A League of Their Own) co-hosted the event that included stars from television, film and sports: Jonathan Adams (Last Man Standing), Frank Buckley (Ktla), Matt Craven (Lou), Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul), Derek Fisher (NBA), Jason Her (For All Mankind), Brian Letscher (Scandal), Matt Letscher (The Flash), Willie Gault (NFL), Michael Irby (Mayans M.C.), Chris O’Dowd (Slumberland), Dr. Paul Nassif (Botched), Norm Nixon (NBA), Danielle Nottingham...
Television stars, sports luminaries, entertainment industry executives, Television Academy leadership and corporate partners competed in the golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, Monday, Oct. 3.
Proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit’s renowned Internship and College Television Awards programs that provide industry access and career development opportunities for college students nationwide interested in media careers.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood) and Andia Winslow (A League of Their Own) co-hosted the event that included stars from television, film and sports: Jonathan Adams (Last Man Standing), Frank Buckley (Ktla), Matt Craven (Lou), Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul), Derek Fisher (NBA), Jason Her (For All Mankind), Brian Letscher (Scandal), Matt Letscher (The Flash), Willie Gault (NFL), Michael Irby (Mayans M.C.), Chris O’Dowd (Slumberland), Dr. Paul Nassif (Botched), Norm Nixon (NBA), Danielle Nottingham...
- 10/12/2022
- Look to the Stars
Exclusive: A new group of senior Latinx executives has been created to help Hollywood fill senior roles across the TV industry with more diverse faces.
The Alliance of LatinX Executives compromises more than 100 executives including a slew of senior producers and network executives.
Execs include Cris Abrego, Chairman of the Americas, Banijay and President and CEO, Endemol Shine Holdings; John Pollak, the former NBCU exec who recently set up a management company with Wilmer Valderrama; and Nina Tassler, the former CBS Entertainment chairman who now runs PatMa Productions with Denise Di Novi (more names below).
The group is looking to help Latinx execs get a leg up in the industry and help create more diverse recruitment at the networks, streamers, studios, production companies and agencies.
It is holding its first event this week — Thursday at 5 p.m. at Ep&lp in West Hollywood — in association with the Latin Tracking Board...
The Alliance of LatinX Executives compromises more than 100 executives including a slew of senior producers and network executives.
Execs include Cris Abrego, Chairman of the Americas, Banijay and President and CEO, Endemol Shine Holdings; John Pollak, the former NBCU exec who recently set up a management company with Wilmer Valderrama; and Nina Tassler, the former CBS Entertainment chairman who now runs PatMa Productions with Denise Di Novi (more names below).
The group is looking to help Latinx execs get a leg up in the industry and help create more diverse recruitment at the networks, streamers, studios, production companies and agencies.
It is holding its first event this week — Thursday at 5 p.m. at Ep&lp in West Hollywood — in association with the Latin Tracking Board...
- 9/7/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, CAA’s in-person Amplify Summit is back.
An invitation-only group of artists, thought leaders and industry executives will gather in Ojai tomorrow for a lineup of keynotes, firesides and breakout sessions aimed at leveraging multicultural perspectives to advance goals in both business and justice.
Those who will address this year’s summit include filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Jeymes Samuels; actors Leslie Grace, Stephanie Hsu, Anthony Ramos, Storm Reid, Lauren Ridloff and Yara Shahidi; comedian Amber Ruffin; executives Cris Abrego (Banijay Americas chair and Endemol Shine president and CEO), Franklin Leonard (The Black List founder and CEO) and Jon Platt (Sony Music Publishing chair and CEO); and authors Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone) and Soman Chainani (School for Good and Evil) as well as White House senior advisor and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, IllumiNative founder...
After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, CAA’s in-person Amplify Summit is back.
An invitation-only group of artists, thought leaders and industry executives will gather in Ojai tomorrow for a lineup of keynotes, firesides and breakout sessions aimed at leveraging multicultural perspectives to advance goals in both business and justice.
Those who will address this year’s summit include filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Jeymes Samuels; actors Leslie Grace, Stephanie Hsu, Anthony Ramos, Storm Reid, Lauren Ridloff and Yara Shahidi; comedian Amber Ruffin; executives Cris Abrego (Banijay Americas chair and Endemol Shine president and CEO), Franklin Leonard (The Black List founder and CEO) and Jon Platt (Sony Music Publishing chair and CEO); and authors Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone) and Soman Chainani (School for Good and Evil) as well as White House senior advisor and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, IllumiNative founder...
- 6/22/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The CAA Amplify summit will make its in-person return on June 22 featuring speakers across entertainment, sports, media, technology, and social justice.
The summit brings together a diverse group of key influencers and industry decision-makers to explore the role business plays in advancing culture and justice for communities of color.
Speaking in front of an invite-only crowd in Ojai, California are Ava DuVernay, Yara Shahidi, Anthony Ramos, Stephanie Hsu, Tomi Adeyemi, Storm Reid, Jeymes Samuel, Jon Platt, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Cris Abrego, Amber Ruffin, Leslie Grace, Crystal Echo Hawk, Lauren Ridloff, Nina Shaw, Soman Chainani, and Franklin Leonard.
“We’re thrilled for the return of CAA Amplify and to once again be in community with so many talented artists and business leaders,” said Ruben Garcia, Executive and Co-Head of Cultural Business Strategy at CAA. “The pandemic helped illustrate the value of the network we have built and how we can use...
The summit brings together a diverse group of key influencers and industry decision-makers to explore the role business plays in advancing culture and justice for communities of color.
Speaking in front of an invite-only crowd in Ojai, California are Ava DuVernay, Yara Shahidi, Anthony Ramos, Stephanie Hsu, Tomi Adeyemi, Storm Reid, Jeymes Samuel, Jon Platt, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Cris Abrego, Amber Ruffin, Leslie Grace, Crystal Echo Hawk, Lauren Ridloff, Nina Shaw, Soman Chainani, and Franklin Leonard.
“We’re thrilled for the return of CAA Amplify and to once again be in community with so many talented artists and business leaders,” said Ruben Garcia, Executive and Co-Head of Cultural Business Strategy at CAA. “The pandemic helped illustrate the value of the network we have built and how we can use...
- 6/22/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Cris Abrego’s rise to the top of the ranks of the unscripted television world is a tale of passion and perseverance. Born and raised in suburban El Monte, Calif., he is a second-generation Mexican American who fought hard to break into the entertainment industry 25 years ago. Now, as chairman of the Americas for Paris-based Banijay, and president and CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings, Abrego is one of the highest-ranking Latino executives in Hollywood.
“When I was younger, I couldn’t get a job in the industry,” Abrego says. “I had no connections, and even though we lived 24 miles from Hollywood, it was literally a different lifetime away. I very much felt like an outsider and it was extremely difficult for people like me to find their way in.”
His life changed when he joined the team at Bunim/Murray productions, which kick-started a new generation of reality television programming with “The Real World.
“When I was younger, I couldn’t get a job in the industry,” Abrego says. “I had no connections, and even though we lived 24 miles from Hollywood, it was literally a different lifetime away. I very much felt like an outsider and it was extremely difficult for people like me to find their way in.”
His life changed when he joined the team at Bunim/Murray productions, which kick-started a new generation of reality television programming with “The Real World.
- 6/15/2022
- by Nick Clement
- Variety Film + TV
The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded the Television Academy Foundation a 350,000 grant for the preservation of its online archives documenting the history of television.
Founded in 1997, the archive now known as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television is among the world’s largest online archives of its kind and includes thousands of hours of interviews with more than 900 legends.
The grant is funded in part by the Neh’s “A More Perfect Union” initiative, which is designed to honor the role of the humanities in U.S. history and invest in the preservation of projects like The Interviews. Out of 205 eligible applicants, 36 were chosen.
“We are deeply honored by this Neh recognition and grateful for this very special grant,” said Television Academy Foundation chair Cris Abrego. “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this unique collection, we are committed to further represent all of the diverse talent...
Founded in 1997, the archive now known as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television is among the world’s largest online archives of its kind and includes thousands of hours of interviews with more than 900 legends.
The grant is funded in part by the Neh’s “A More Perfect Union” initiative, which is designed to honor the role of the humanities in U.S. history and invest in the preservation of projects like The Interviews. Out of 205 eligible applicants, 36 were chosen.
“We are deeply honored by this Neh recognition and grateful for this very special grant,” said Television Academy Foundation chair Cris Abrego. “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this unique collection, we are committed to further represent all of the diverse talent...
- 4/14/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
The 2022 SeriesFest officially announced its star-studded programming slate to take place May 5–11 in Denver, Colorado.
IndieWire can exclusively confirm that new Starz drama “Becoming Elizabeth” will debut opening night, followed by a Q&a panel with creator and executive producer Anya Reiss and series stars Alicia von Rittberg and Jamie Blackley.
Award-winning international festival and non-profit organization SeriesFest spotlights episodic storytelling. The annual six-day festival will include a full slate of in-competition screenings, panels, and workshops, as well as never-before-seen sneak peeks and television premieres.
Joining the special screening event line-up this year includes “Rat in the Kitchen” (TBS) with series’ co-hosts actress and comedian Natasha Leggero and Chef Ludo Lefebvre; “Bring on the Dancing Horses” featuring star and executive producer Kate Bosworth and director, writer, and executive producer Michael Polish; “This is Going to Hurt” (AMC+) with comedian and writer Adam Kay; “Somebody Feed Phil” (Netflix) with series creator...
IndieWire can exclusively confirm that new Starz drama “Becoming Elizabeth” will debut opening night, followed by a Q&a panel with creator and executive producer Anya Reiss and series stars Alicia von Rittberg and Jamie Blackley.
Award-winning international festival and non-profit organization SeriesFest spotlights episodic storytelling. The annual six-day festival will include a full slate of in-competition screenings, panels, and workshops, as well as never-before-seen sneak peeks and television premieres.
Joining the special screening event line-up this year includes “Rat in the Kitchen” (TBS) with series’ co-hosts actress and comedian Natasha Leggero and Chef Ludo Lefebvre; “Bring on the Dancing Horses” featuring star and executive producer Kate Bosworth and director, writer, and executive producer Michael Polish; “This is Going to Hurt” (AMC+) with comedian and writer Adam Kay; “Somebody Feed Phil” (Netflix) with series creator...
- 4/14/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
HBO Max has unveiled the first trailer for “Julia,” an upcoming series about the life of beloved culinary icon Julia Child.
Created by Daniel Goldfarb (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), “Julia” focuses on Child (played in the series by Sarah Lancashire) during the years following the publication of her iconic cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” The series sees Child kickstarting her first television series, “The French Chef,” at the public television station Wgbh. Child faces opposition from the sexist and elitist producers at the station, but with the help of her friends and allies, transforms her television show into a certified phenomenon.
“I hope you have as much fun as I did,” Lancashire says during the trailer, emulating Child’s sign-off from her show. “Bon Appétit.”
In addition to Lancashire, the series also stars David Hyde Pierce as Child’s husband Paul. Bebe Neuwirth, Brittany Bradford, Fran Kranz and...
Created by Daniel Goldfarb (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), “Julia” focuses on Child (played in the series by Sarah Lancashire) during the years following the publication of her iconic cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” The series sees Child kickstarting her first television series, “The French Chef,” at the public television station Wgbh. Child faces opposition from the sexist and elitist producers at the station, but with the help of her friends and allies, transforms her television show into a certified phenomenon.
“I hope you have as much fun as I did,” Lancashire says during the trailer, emulating Child’s sign-off from her show. “Bon Appétit.”
In addition to Lancashire, the series also stars David Hyde Pierce as Child’s husband Paul. Bebe Neuwirth, Brittany Bradford, Fran Kranz and...
- 3/1/2022
- by Wilson Chapman and Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
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