Exclusive: The British government has fired a warning shot at Netflix amid the Baby Reindeer safeguarding scandal, saying it will be held to “high standards” under new streaming laws.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) reminded Netflix that the UK Media Bill will hand regulator Ofcom world-leading powers to police content on streaming services.
Asked if the legislation would empower Ofcom to pursue concerns over Baby Reindeer, a government spokesperson told Deadline: “UK broadcasters are subject to appropriate rules to ensure protections for audiences, contributors and other affected individuals. Our Media Bill will make mainstream video-on-demand services subject to similar high standards.”
Ofcom will draft and enforce a new Video-on-Demand Code, allowing viewers, contributors, and others to complain about accuracy issues and potentially harmful content.
One regulatory expert told Deadline that under the new laws, Richard Gadd’s alleged stalker, Fiona Harvey, would be able to make...
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) reminded Netflix that the UK Media Bill will hand regulator Ofcom world-leading powers to police content on streaming services.
Asked if the legislation would empower Ofcom to pursue concerns over Baby Reindeer, a government spokesperson told Deadline: “UK broadcasters are subject to appropriate rules to ensure protections for audiences, contributors and other affected individuals. Our Media Bill will make mainstream video-on-demand services subject to similar high standards.”
Ofcom will draft and enforce a new Video-on-Demand Code, allowing viewers, contributors, and others to complain about accuracy issues and potentially harmful content.
One regulatory expert told Deadline that under the new laws, Richard Gadd’s alleged stalker, Fiona Harvey, would be able to make...
- 5/11/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has unveiled nine new movies and series from Poland including the directorial debut of High Water writer Kasper Bajon and a thriller from the team behind Forgotten Love.
As the streamer continues to unveil international originals by the bucket load, Project UFO leads the Poland slate, a mini-series helmed by Bajon that will transport fans of stories inspired by real events to the 1980s in order to investigate the alleged UFO landing in a remote countryside village.
Bajon wrote the popular High Water series, one of the biggest to come from Netflix Poland, about the 1997 Central European flood and how it was managed by the authorities of the Polish city of Wrocław.
Meanwhile, Michał Gazda (director) and Magdalena Szwedkowicz (producer), the team behind last year’s Netflix Poland movie Forgotten Love, are re-teaming on a movie following a retired policeman trying to bring to justice to those behind a ruthless bank robbery case,...
As the streamer continues to unveil international originals by the bucket load, Project UFO leads the Poland slate, a mini-series helmed by Bajon that will transport fans of stories inspired by real events to the 1980s in order to investigate the alleged UFO landing in a remote countryside village.
Bajon wrote the popular High Water series, one of the biggest to come from Netflix Poland, about the 1997 Central European flood and how it was managed by the authorities of the Polish city of Wrocław.
Meanwhile, Michał Gazda (director) and Magdalena Szwedkowicz (producer), the team behind last year’s Netflix Poland movie Forgotten Love, are re-teaming on a movie following a retired policeman trying to bring to justice to those behind a ruthless bank robbery case,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has unveiled a landmark natural history series on insects as its head of unscripted brands the notion that the streamers are taking over “utter bollocks.”
The Traitors commissioner Kate Phillips talked tough on the BBC’s place in the ecosystem at Creative Cities Convention, citing research that BBC iPlayer is watched by more people in the UK than Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix combined. “This idea that broadcasters are irrelevant and streamers are taking over is utter bollocks,” she said. “More than nine out of 10 adults access the BBC in the UK.”
Notably, Phillips was speaking a session after Grant Mansfield, the EP behind Disney+’s most-watched natural history series of all time, A Real Bug’s Life, who had called on indies to embrace opportunities in the States.
The BBC unveiled Hidden Planet, a follow up to David Attenborough’s 2005 series Life in the Undergrowth, although the 97-year-old...
The Traitors commissioner Kate Phillips talked tough on the BBC’s place in the ecosystem at Creative Cities Convention, citing research that BBC iPlayer is watched by more people in the UK than Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix combined. “This idea that broadcasters are irrelevant and streamers are taking over is utter bollocks,” she said. “More than nine out of 10 adults access the BBC in the UK.”
Notably, Phillips was speaking a session after Grant Mansfield, the EP behind Disney+’s most-watched natural history series of all time, A Real Bug’s Life, who had called on indies to embrace opportunities in the States.
The BBC unveiled Hidden Planet, a follow up to David Attenborough’s 2005 series Life in the Undergrowth, although the 97-year-old...
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Most British producers will find themselves very welcome in America.”
That is the verdict of Grant Mansfield, the head of A Real Bug’s Life and Tiny World producer Plimsoll, who, along with ITV Studios boss Julian Bellamy, attempted to paint a glass-half-full portrait of the state of the UK production industry amid doom and gloom proclamations at the Creative Cities Convention.
Mansfield said he “understands the negative mood music” but posited that “the transformational thing [for UK producers] is international,” as he revealed that 90% of Plimsoll’s commissions come from outside the UK.
“The whole business of what your market is has become more porous and most British producers wil find themselves very welcome in America,” said Mansfield. “They are incredibly respectful and knowledgeable of the UK market.”
Mansfield, who was CEO of Zodiak USA before launching Plimsoll, joked that producers should be aware of American buyers’ “there is no such thing...
That is the verdict of Grant Mansfield, the head of A Real Bug’s Life and Tiny World producer Plimsoll, who, along with ITV Studios boss Julian Bellamy, attempted to paint a glass-half-full portrait of the state of the UK production industry amid doom and gloom proclamations at the Creative Cities Convention.
Mansfield said he “understands the negative mood music” but posited that “the transformational thing [for UK producers] is international,” as he revealed that 90% of Plimsoll’s commissions come from outside the UK.
“The whole business of what your market is has become more porous and most British producers wil find themselves very welcome in America,” said Mansfield. “They are incredibly respectful and knowledgeable of the UK market.”
Mansfield, who was CEO of Zodiak USA before launching Plimsoll, joked that producers should be aware of American buyers’ “there is no such thing...
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 has bowed to pressure from producers and will slowly start making more shows outside of England, its boss Alex Mahon revealed today.
Producers have been ramping up calls in recent months on the nation’s youth-skewing pubcaster to increase its commitment to make 9% of its shows in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which has stood since 2020.
For the first time this morning at the Creative Cities Convention, Mahon said “I think we will try” and boost the 9% quota, satisfying calls from the likes of trade body Pact and various creative industry bodies.
“There have been questions on us to make [the 9% quota] bigger,” Mahon told the Bristol event. “We will try and do more because we need to think more carefully about how we represent people on air. It is time to make that shift to support companies [outside England] more sustainably.”
Mahon was tight-lipped on how much Channel 4 will increase the...
Producers have been ramping up calls in recent months on the nation’s youth-skewing pubcaster to increase its commitment to make 9% of its shows in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which has stood since 2020.
For the first time this morning at the Creative Cities Convention, Mahon said “I think we will try” and boost the 9% quota, satisfying calls from the likes of trade body Pact and various creative industry bodies.
“There have been questions on us to make [the 9% quota] bigger,” Mahon told the Bristol event. “We will try and do more because we need to think more carefully about how we represent people on air. It is time to make that shift to support companies [outside England] more sustainably.”
Mahon was tight-lipped on how much Channel 4 will increase the...
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK’s producer trade body and actors union have called on the government to rejoin the AI debate and consider legislation before it is too late.
AI is set to play a central role in the upcoming contract negotiations between Pact and Equity but John McVay, who runs the former, and Lynda Rooke, who is president of the latter, concurred on the need for government to protect the industry via legislation.
“They’ve kicked the can down the road [on AI],” McVay said of the government at today’s Creative Cities Convention. “There is case law established in America about AI copyright. On the one hand you’ve got the [UK] government saying ‘let’s wait and see’ but if you go further down the road then they will say ‘we don’t like it, it’s going to go more extreme’. And then they will chill investment.”
McVay, whose body represents...
AI is set to play a central role in the upcoming contract negotiations between Pact and Equity but John McVay, who runs the former, and Lynda Rooke, who is president of the latter, concurred on the need for government to protect the industry via legislation.
“They’ve kicked the can down the road [on AI],” McVay said of the government at today’s Creative Cities Convention. “There is case law established in America about AI copyright. On the one hand you’ve got the [UK] government saying ‘let’s wait and see’ but if you go further down the road then they will say ‘we don’t like it, it’s going to go more extreme’. And then they will chill investment.”
McVay, whose body represents...
- 4/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix UK will not be changing its commissioning course when the streamer stops reporting quarterly subs numbers, according to its programing chief.
Anne Mensah, who oversees a huge slate featuring the likes of Baby Reindeer and The Gentlemen, said “there is no secret” for producers when they pitch to Netflix, and that this will remain the same given the streamer’s fresh focus on profit over subs.
“I can’t stress enough that [our commissioning strategy] is simply about how you get audiences to press play and stay,” she told the Creative Cities Convention in response to a question over Netflix’s decision to stop reporting quarterly subs numbers from next year.
“Before I arrived the idea was how to put in place a team that is authentically ‘of the UK’ and show you have absolute commitment to staying here long term,” she added. “For me the content remains utterly key.”
Mensah was...
Anne Mensah, who oversees a huge slate featuring the likes of Baby Reindeer and The Gentlemen, said “there is no secret” for producers when they pitch to Netflix, and that this will remain the same given the streamer’s fresh focus on profit over subs.
“I can’t stress enough that [our commissioning strategy] is simply about how you get audiences to press play and stay,” she told the Creative Cities Convention in response to a question over Netflix’s decision to stop reporting quarterly subs numbers from next year.
“Before I arrived the idea was how to put in place a team that is authentically ‘of the UK’ and show you have absolute commitment to staying here long term,” she added. “For me the content remains utterly key.”
Mensah was...
- 4/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Scoop, the Netflix film chronicling Prince Andrew’s humbling interview on the BBC, has enjoyed a relatively regal reception from British audiences.
Based on a book of the same name by Sam McAlister, the woman who played a central role in securing access to the Duke of York, the feature was watched by 2.75M viewers in its first seven days.
The rating is healthy for Netflix, putting Scoop ahead of other recently launched titles, not least the eye-wateringly expensive 3 Body Problem, which premiered with 1.7M viewers.
Scoop could not quite match fellow royal drama The Crown, however. The Left Bank show’s final season debuted with 2.8M last year, according to official Barb figures supplied by overnights.tv.
The biggest title on Netflix in 2024 has been Fool Me Once’s blockbuster debut of 6.3M viewers in January. Netflix’s UK chief Anne Mensah revealed last month that Fool Me Once...
Based on a book of the same name by Sam McAlister, the woman who played a central role in securing access to the Duke of York, the feature was watched by 2.75M viewers in its first seven days.
The rating is healthy for Netflix, putting Scoop ahead of other recently launched titles, not least the eye-wateringly expensive 3 Body Problem, which premiered with 1.7M viewers.
Scoop could not quite match fellow royal drama The Crown, however. The Left Bank show’s final season debuted with 2.8M last year, according to official Barb figures supplied by overnights.tv.
The biggest title on Netflix in 2024 has been Fool Me Once’s blockbuster debut of 6.3M viewers in January. Netflix’s UK chief Anne Mensah revealed last month that Fool Me Once...
- 4/12/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Gentlemen features Ray Winstone as a barbeque-devouring drug lord, and the Guy Ritchie series has put in a meaty display with British audiences.
The crime drama premiered on March 7 with an audience of more than 3.5M, according to viewing figures made available by Barb, the UK’s audience research body.
The performance secured The Gentlemen 27th place in a list of the 50 most-watched TV shows in the UK during the seven days to March 10.
The highest-rated show of the week was Death In Paradise, which was watched by 7.3M on the BBC, according to the Barb figures.
The Gentlemen beat other notable Netflix launches in 2024, including One Day‘s audience of 1.7M in February and Millie Bobby Brown film Damsel, which was seen by 1.8M in its first week.
Starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, The Gentlemen could not, however, match Fool Me Once’s blockbuster debut of 6.3M viewers in January.
The crime drama premiered on March 7 with an audience of more than 3.5M, according to viewing figures made available by Barb, the UK’s audience research body.
The performance secured The Gentlemen 27th place in a list of the 50 most-watched TV shows in the UK during the seven days to March 10.
The highest-rated show of the week was Death In Paradise, which was watched by 7.3M on the BBC, according to the Barb figures.
The Gentlemen beat other notable Netflix launches in 2024, including One Day‘s audience of 1.7M in February and Millie Bobby Brown film Damsel, which was seen by 1.8M in its first week.
Starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, The Gentlemen could not, however, match Fool Me Once’s blockbuster debut of 6.3M viewers in January.
- 3/20/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Legendary British screenwriter and television producer Steven Knight is seemingly ready for his next project as it has been confirmed that the Peaky Blinders author is working on a show titled House of Guinness, which is going to explore the history of Ireland’s famous Guinness family and the consequences of the death of Benjamin Guinness. The project is still in the early phases of production, so not many details have been revealed, but it is in the works, which is absolutely great news.
Netflix is going to produce and stream the series once it is released, but we do not have a proper release window just yet. The streaming service also provided us with a synopsis of the series, which reveals the following:
“House Of Guinness will tell the epic story of one of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties – The Guinness Family. Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York,...
Netflix is going to produce and stream the series once it is released, but we do not have a proper release window just yet. The streaming service also provided us with a synopsis of the series, which reveals the following:
“House Of Guinness will tell the epic story of one of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties – The Guinness Family. Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
We’re back again, Insiders. Jesse Whittock with you this week, as Netflix showcased its latest wares, Hong Kong welcomed the entertainment world and Argentinian film was plunged into crisis. Here we go. Sign up to the newsletter here.
Slates Of The Nations Tom Kaulitz, Bill Kaulitz and Jenny Augusta at last night’s Next on Netflix event in Berlin, Germany
Netflix struts: At times, the past year has felt like a succession of bad news stories from the international streamers, as they pull out of local markets and axe originals from their services to reduce costs. Not so from Netflix, which this week held content showcases in London and Berlin as it sought to reaffirm its credentials in the UK and Germany. On Wednesday night, Netflix Germany showcased 17 titles, including new original film Brick from prolific production pair Wiedemann and Berg, reality show Kaulitz and Kaulitz and reality competition format,...
Slates Of The Nations Tom Kaulitz, Bill Kaulitz and Jenny Augusta at last night’s Next on Netflix event in Berlin, Germany
Netflix struts: At times, the past year has felt like a succession of bad news stories from the international streamers, as they pull out of local markets and axe originals from their services to reduce costs. Not so from Netflix, which this week held content showcases in London and Berlin as it sought to reaffirm its credentials in the UK and Germany. On Wednesday night, Netflix Germany showcased 17 titles, including new original film Brick from prolific production pair Wiedemann and Berg, reality show Kaulitz and Kaulitz and reality competition format,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
A historical series about the Guinness dynasty by Steven Knight and a one-shot crime drama series written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne and directed by Philip Barantini lead Netflix’s latest UK scripted slate.
Produced by Kudos and set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, House Of Guinness (working title) will tell the epic story of the family behind the iconic Irish stout.
The story will be based around the demise of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the brewery. It will focus on the consequences of his death and the impact it had on...
Produced by Kudos and set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, House Of Guinness (working title) will tell the epic story of the family behind the iconic Irish stout.
The story will be based around the demise of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the brewery. It will focus on the consequences of his death and the impact it had on...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
A splashy Netflix UK scripted slate features a historical series about the Guinness brewery from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and the latest ‘one-shot’ offering from Stephen Graham, Jack Thorne and Philip Barantini.
The prolific Knight is penning House of Guinness [working title] from long-time producing collaborator Kudos.
The show will tell the story of one of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties – The Guinness Family. Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, it will focus on the consequences of the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the far-reaching impact of his cunning will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as on a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the growing juggernaut that is one of the most beloved alcoholic drinks today.
Netflix UK content boss Anne Mensah said...
The prolific Knight is penning House of Guinness [working title] from long-time producing collaborator Kudos.
The show will tell the story of one of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties – The Guinness Family. Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, it will focus on the consequences of the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the far-reaching impact of his cunning will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as on a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the growing juggernaut that is one of the most beloved alcoholic drinks today.
Netflix UK content boss Anne Mensah said...
- 3/14/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: At the 2021 Edinburgh TV Festival, the BBC and Netflix unveiled what the pair described as a landmark five-year disability partnership that would unearth a new generation of shows helmed by disabled talent.
But more than half of the partnership’s five-year time period has now elapsed and not one show has been revealed.
In recent months, sources from the UK drama and disabled TV communities have begun questioning the partnership, getting in touch with Deadline unprompted to query why a tie-up that was unveiled with such fanfare has so far failed to bear fruit.
“It’s slightly bizarre,” said one professional connected with disability programs. “I’ve heard nothing from anyone to be honest. No one can get a definitive answer.”
The partnership came in the wake of a blistering Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart broadside from Help writer Jack Thorne, who slammed the UK TV industry for “totally and utterly” failing disabled people.
But more than half of the partnership’s five-year time period has now elapsed and not one show has been revealed.
In recent months, sources from the UK drama and disabled TV communities have begun questioning the partnership, getting in touch with Deadline unprompted to query why a tie-up that was unveiled with such fanfare has so far failed to bear fruit.
“It’s slightly bizarre,” said one professional connected with disability programs. “I’ve heard nothing from anyone to be honest. No one can get a definitive answer.”
The partnership came in the wake of a blistering Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart broadside from Help writer Jack Thorne, who slammed the UK TV industry for “totally and utterly” failing disabled people.
- 3/14/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix UK has reached a landmark remuneration agreement with the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (Wggb) and agency body the Personal Managers Association (Pma) for writers on live-action scripted series.
Under the terms of the ongoing deal, which is the first of its kind between a streamer and the two representative bodies, writers on Netflix UK scripted series, not including animation, will have payment rights enshrined in contracts, which will offer “improved terms and conditions” according to Wggb general secretary Ellie Peers.
The pact is effective from 1 February 2024 although financial details were undisclosed.
The deal comes around six months after...
Under the terms of the ongoing deal, which is the first of its kind between a streamer and the two representative bodies, writers on Netflix UK scripted series, not including animation, will have payment rights enshrined in contracts, which will offer “improved terms and conditions” according to Wggb general secretary Ellie Peers.
The pact is effective from 1 February 2024 although financial details were undisclosed.
The deal comes around six months after...
- 3/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
Netflix UK has reached a landmark remuneration agreement with the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (Wggb) and agency body the Personal Managers Association (Pma) for writers on live-action scripted series.
Under the terms of the ongoing deal, which is the first of its kind between a streamer and the two representative bodies, writers on Netflix UK scripted series, not including animation, will have payment rights enshrined in contracts, which will offer “improved terms and conditions” according to Wggb general secretary Ellie Peers.
The pact is effective from 1 February 2024 although financial details were undisclosed.
The deal comes around six months after...
Under the terms of the ongoing deal, which is the first of its kind between a streamer and the two representative bodies, writers on Netflix UK scripted series, not including animation, will have payment rights enshrined in contracts, which will offer “improved terms and conditions” according to Wggb general secretary Ellie Peers.
The pact is effective from 1 February 2024 although financial details were undisclosed.
The deal comes around six months after...
- 3/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
Netflix U.K., the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (Wggb) and the Personal Managers’ Association (Pma) — which represents U.K. agents — have signed a first-of-its-kind deal on remuneration.
Unveiled Tuesday, the deal will apply to U.K. writers working on Netflix scripted live-action commissioned series, and is retroactively effective as of Feb. 1. It’s also the first agreement between a streaming service, the Wggc and the Pma.
“Local writers are core to Netflix’s success in the U.K. and we are delighted to have reached a deal,” Anne Mensah, VP U.K. content at Netflix, said in a statement.
“For the first time in the U.K., writers working for a global streamer will have their rights enshrined in a collective trade union agreement and will enjoy improved terms and conditions. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Netflix,” said Ellie Peers, Wggb general secretary.
Added the...
Unveiled Tuesday, the deal will apply to U.K. writers working on Netflix scripted live-action commissioned series, and is retroactively effective as of Feb. 1. It’s also the first agreement between a streaming service, the Wggc and the Pma.
“Local writers are core to Netflix’s success in the U.K. and we are delighted to have reached a deal,” Anne Mensah, VP U.K. content at Netflix, said in a statement.
“For the first time in the U.K., writers working for a global streamer will have their rights enshrined in a collective trade union agreement and will enjoy improved terms and conditions. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Netflix,” said Ellie Peers, Wggb general secretary.
Added the...
- 3/12/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix U.K., the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (Wggb) and the Personal Managers’ Association (Pma), which represents agents in the U.K., have signed a deal, unveiled on Tuesday. It covers “remuneration which will apply to U.K. writers on Netflix scripted live-action commissioned series,” they said.
The deal is effective as of Feb. 1, 2024 and is “the first agreement between a streaming service, the Wggb and the Pma,” they said.
Said Anne Mensah, vp U.K. content at Netflix: “Local writers are core to Netflix’s success in the U.K., and we are delighted to have reached a deal.”
Ellie Peers, Wggb general secretary, added: “For the first time in the U.K., writers working for a global streamer will have their rights enshrined in a collective trade union agreement and will enjoy improved terms and conditions. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Netflix.”
And...
The deal is effective as of Feb. 1, 2024 and is “the first agreement between a streaming service, the Wggb and the Pma,” they said.
Said Anne Mensah, vp U.K. content at Netflix: “Local writers are core to Netflix’s success in the U.K., and we are delighted to have reached a deal.”
Ellie Peers, Wggb general secretary, added: “For the first time in the U.K., writers working for a global streamer will have their rights enshrined in a collective trade union agreement and will enjoy improved terms and conditions. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Netflix.”
And...
- 3/12/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has struck a deal with the Writers Guild of Great Britain (Wggb) over live-action scripted series for the first time.
The first-of-its-kind deal also sees the global streamer tie with the Personal Managers Association, which represents UK agents.
The deal came into place on February 1 and comes as the streamers look to deepen relationships with local unions.
A Pma spokesperson called the agreement “trailblazing” and said it “moves away from granting rights in perpetuity and introduces a structure for ongoing payments.”
Published on the Wggb website, the terms will see writers paid a minimum script fee of £17,000 for a one-off 60-minute show and £15,000 for series. The initial script fee includes six months exploitation on the Netflix service (worldwide) and non-theatric and promotional rights. The agreement also sees writers given 5.6% of gross receipts if their production is exploited off Netflix.
Notably, writers are given a mandatory Subsequent Use Advance (Sua...
The first-of-its-kind deal also sees the global streamer tie with the Personal Managers Association, which represents UK agents.
The deal came into place on February 1 and comes as the streamers look to deepen relationships with local unions.
A Pma spokesperson called the agreement “trailblazing” and said it “moves away from granting rights in perpetuity and introduces a structure for ongoing payments.”
Published on the Wggb website, the terms will see writers paid a minimum script fee of £17,000 for a one-off 60-minute show and £15,000 for series. The initial script fee includes six months exploitation on the Netflix service (worldwide) and non-theatric and promotional rights. The agreement also sees writers given 5.6% of gross receipts if their production is exploited off Netflix.
Notably, writers are given a mandatory Subsequent Use Advance (Sua...
- 3/12/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Almost four years after Marc Helwig joined Miramax as Head Of Worldwide Television, he walked the London red carpet Tuesday for the global premiere of the company’s Guy Ritchie series for Netflix, The Gentlemen, alongside celebrity guests like David Beckham and Jason Statham.
The Gentlemen is a “pandemic series.” In 2020, after he took over Miramax TV, Ritchie’s The Gentlemen movie was on Helwig’s mind, literally. A billboard for the Miramax film had been put up on his street corner in late 2019 and stayed there until 2022, with Helwig passing by it daily.
“It started in the very early days of the pandemic when I first joined Miramax and found myself on these Zooms with Guy Ritchie and his producing partner Ivan Atkinson,” he said about the show’s origins. “The film had turned into a little bit of a cult success after its release; the movie was one...
The Gentlemen is a “pandemic series.” In 2020, after he took over Miramax TV, Ritchie’s The Gentlemen movie was on Helwig’s mind, literally. A billboard for the Miramax film had been put up on his street corner in late 2019 and stayed there until 2022, with Helwig passing by it daily.
“It started in the very early days of the pandemic when I first joined Miramax and found myself on these Zooms with Guy Ritchie and his producing partner Ivan Atkinson,” he said about the show’s origins. “The film had turned into a little bit of a cult success after its release; the movie was one...
- 3/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A galaxy of 42 emerging creative talents from across the U.S., U.K. and India have been unveiled as the 2023 BAFTA Breakthrough cohort.
The selected talents have worked on some of the most lauded projects over the last several months including “The Last of Us,” “1923,” “Blue Jean,” “Rye Lane,” “Rocket Boys” and “Joyland.”
Breakthrough is BAFTA’s flagship new talent initiative in partnership with Netflix, drawn from creatives working in film, games and television. Awarded to those in the midst of, or on the cusp of their breakthrough moment, the year-long initiative includes one-to-one meetings and career guidance, full voting membership, access to BAFTA events and screenings, as well as networking events, both in the U.K. and internationally.
This year’s cohort comprises creatives spanning craft specialisms from hair and make up, production, editing and games design, to performance, directing and cinematography and is from diverse ethnic backgrounds and abilities.
The selected talents have worked on some of the most lauded projects over the last several months including “The Last of Us,” “1923,” “Blue Jean,” “Rye Lane,” “Rocket Boys” and “Joyland.”
Breakthrough is BAFTA’s flagship new talent initiative in partnership with Netflix, drawn from creatives working in film, games and television. Awarded to those in the midst of, or on the cusp of their breakthrough moment, the year-long initiative includes one-to-one meetings and career guidance, full voting membership, access to BAFTA events and screenings, as well as networking events, both in the U.K. and internationally.
This year’s cohort comprises creatives spanning craft specialisms from hair and make up, production, editing and games design, to performance, directing and cinematography and is from diverse ethnic backgrounds and abilities.
- 11/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Acquisitions
Banijay U.K. have acquired “Becoming Elizabeth” producer The Forge. The terms of the agreement include a first look deal for Banijay Rights.
The Forge was founded by managing director George Faber and the senior creative team is comprised of Faber, EP and head of business affair Mark Pybus, EP Beth Willis and EP George Ormond. Upcoming series from the production company are “The Buccaneers” for Apple TV+ and Peter Kominsky’s drama about the Grenfell fire for BBC One.
The studio is the eleventh scripted label to be acquired by Banjay U.K., joining companies including Tiger Aspect and Kudos.
“I have been a massive admirer of The Forge since its inception,” said Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay U.K. “George Faber, Mark Pybus, Beth Willis and George Ormond have together grown one of the most ambitious and exciting drama slates in the U.K. We are so...
Banijay U.K. have acquired “Becoming Elizabeth” producer The Forge. The terms of the agreement include a first look deal for Banijay Rights.
The Forge was founded by managing director George Faber and the senior creative team is comprised of Faber, EP and head of business affair Mark Pybus, EP Beth Willis and EP George Ormond. Upcoming series from the production company are “The Buccaneers” for Apple TV+ and Peter Kominsky’s drama about the Grenfell fire for BBC One.
The studio is the eleventh scripted label to be acquired by Banjay U.K., joining companies including Tiger Aspect and Kudos.
“I have been a massive admirer of The Forge since its inception,” said Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay U.K. “George Faber, Mark Pybus, Beth Willis and George Ormond have together grown one of the most ambitious and exciting drama slates in the U.K. We are so...
- 11/2/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has added to its UK drama commissioning team by hiring Best Interests EP Toby Bentley from AC Chapter One.
Bentley recently joined Anne Mensah’s Sex Education and The Crown division as Manager, UK Series, focusing on overseeing shows coming out of the UK. He reports to Mona Qureshi and is an addition to the team.
Toby Bentley
Bentley joined Netflix from AC Chapter One, the drama indie backed by Anonymous Content, Casarotto Ramsay and United Agents of which he was a founding member with Sophie Gardiner five years ago, at which point it was called Chapter One Pictures. Former ITV Studios drama lead Patrick Spence has since taken over.
Having worked with Jack Thorne on BAFTA-nominee Kiri and National Treasure prior to Chapter One, he was EP on the prolific British scribe’s Michael Sheen and Sharon Horgan-starring BBC drama Best Interests, which aired earlier this...
Bentley recently joined Anne Mensah’s Sex Education and The Crown division as Manager, UK Series, focusing on overseeing shows coming out of the UK. He reports to Mona Qureshi and is an addition to the team.
Toby Bentley
Bentley joined Netflix from AC Chapter One, the drama indie backed by Anonymous Content, Casarotto Ramsay and United Agents of which he was a founding member with Sophie Gardiner five years ago, at which point it was called Chapter One Pictures. Former ITV Studios drama lead Patrick Spence has since taken over.
Having worked with Jack Thorne on BAFTA-nominee Kiri and National Treasure prior to Chapter One, he was EP on the prolific British scribe’s Michael Sheen and Sharon Horgan-starring BBC drama Best Interests, which aired earlier this...
- 8/31/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is getting in on Oppenheimer fever by ordering a doc about Albert Einstein’s complex relationship with Hitler, Germany and the devastating aftermath of the atomic bomb in Japan.
Einstein and the Bomb will mix Archie with dramatization and explore key moments in science genius Einstein’s let, and how his work change history’s course. Everything he says in the film is taken from words he said or wrote.
BBC Studios is producing, with James Van Der Pool and Andrew Cohen the EPs and Anthony Philipson the director.
Also new is the John Boyega-narrated World War II: From the Frontlines is billed as a “moving and innovative six-part documentary series” that uses restored, “spectacular and rare WW2 footage, much of it shot by the soldiers themselves,” to create an immersive cinematic experience.
The 72 Films series will launch later this year. 72 bosses David Glover and Mark Raphael are...
Einstein and the Bomb will mix Archie with dramatization and explore key moments in science genius Einstein’s let, and how his work change history’s course. Everything he says in the film is taken from words he said or wrote.
BBC Studios is producing, with James Van Der Pool and Andrew Cohen the EPs and Anthony Philipson the director.
Also new is the John Boyega-narrated World War II: From the Frontlines is billed as a “moving and innovative six-part documentary series” that uses restored, “spectacular and rare WW2 footage, much of it shot by the soldiers themselves,” to create an immersive cinematic experience.
The 72 Films series will launch later this year. 72 bosses David Glover and Mark Raphael are...
- 8/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Small Axe star Shaniqua Okwok has criticized The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama for paying lip service to anti-discrimination pledges after the prestigious UK drama school failed to say whether it disciplined a teacher accused of a “racist incident.”
Okwok, one of Royal Central’s most successful recent graduates, made a formal complaint against a teacher after they allegedly demanded that she embrace her “inherited trauma” and play a slave during an acting exercise in 2015.
Deadline can reveal that the complaint was upheld last year and Royal Central apologized to Okwok, but for confidentiality reasons, she was not told if the lecturer faced any consequences. The individual remains in post as a lecturer at the school, which boasts alumni including Judi Dench and Kit Harrington. The teacher did not respond to a request for comment.
In an exclusive interview for Deadline’s Drama Schools Uncovered series, Okwok...
Okwok, one of Royal Central’s most successful recent graduates, made a formal complaint against a teacher after they allegedly demanded that she embrace her “inherited trauma” and play a slave during an acting exercise in 2015.
Deadline can reveal that the complaint was upheld last year and Royal Central apologized to Okwok, but for confidentiality reasons, she was not told if the lecturer faced any consequences. The individual remains in post as a lecturer at the school, which boasts alumni including Judi Dench and Kit Harrington. The teacher did not respond to a request for comment.
In an exclusive interview for Deadline’s Drama Schools Uncovered series, Okwok...
- 8/22/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Bradley Quirk, who has had previous stints with Brightstar and Altitude, is joining the Netflix U.K. film team, Variety has confirmed.
Quirk joins as manager, U.K. He is part of director, U.K. Mona Qureshi’s team. Anne Mensah serves as Netflix’s U.K. content vice president.
Quirk was previously with Brightstar Film and TV, the U.K. production outfit founded by producers Tanya Seghatchian (“The Crown”) and John Woodward (“Cold War”). Earlier, Quirk was with Altitude as head of development where he worked on the films “Calm With Horses,” “Rocks” and “The Girl With All the Gifts.”
In a previous stint with Pathe, he worked on “Philomena” and in a role with the BFI Film Fund, on “Welcome to the Punch” and “Broken.”
In 2019, Quirk served as executive producer on “Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans.”
Quirk joins after Netflix’s director of U.K.
Quirk joins as manager, U.K. He is part of director, U.K. Mona Qureshi’s team. Anne Mensah serves as Netflix’s U.K. content vice president.
Quirk was previously with Brightstar Film and TV, the U.K. production outfit founded by producers Tanya Seghatchian (“The Crown”) and John Woodward (“Cold War”). Earlier, Quirk was with Altitude as head of development where he worked on the films “Calm With Horses,” “Rocks” and “The Girl With All the Gifts.”
In a previous stint with Pathe, he worked on “Philomena” and in a role with the BFI Film Fund, on “Welcome to the Punch” and “Broken.”
In 2019, Quirk served as executive producer on “Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans.”
Quirk joins after Netflix’s director of U.K.
- 8/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
New role takes over many of the duties formerly held by Fiona Lamptey.
Netflix has hired former Brightstar, Altitude and UK Film Council executive Bradley Quirk to oversee its UK film slate, the streamer has confirmed today.
His job title is manager, Netflix UK, and he will work as part of the team led by Mona Qureshi, who oversees UK independent productions across both film and TV.
Qureshi reports to Anne Mensah, Netflix’s UK-based vice president of content. Qureshi joined in March 2022 from BBC Film.
Quirk was most recently development producer at Tanya Segatchian and John Woodward’s Brightstar...
Netflix has hired former Brightstar, Altitude and UK Film Council executive Bradley Quirk to oversee its UK film slate, the streamer has confirmed today.
His job title is manager, Netflix UK, and he will work as part of the team led by Mona Qureshi, who oversees UK independent productions across both film and TV.
Qureshi reports to Anne Mensah, Netflix’s UK-based vice president of content. Qureshi joined in March 2022 from BBC Film.
Quirk was most recently development producer at Tanya Segatchian and John Woodward’s Brightstar...
- 8/17/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
None of the six selected projects will now be greenlit through the scheme.
Netflix UK is reshaping the Breakout scheme for emerging filmmakers it is running with Creative UK, with none of the films being greenlit for production, but three of the six projects receiving £100,000 awards for further development.
Netflix executives contacted each of the six filmmaking teams individually on May 31 to confirm it would not be progressing their projects to production through Breakout.
Earlier that day, the teams received an email from Creative UK. The email that Screen has seen did not provide specific feedback, but individually told the...
Netflix UK is reshaping the Breakout scheme for emerging filmmakers it is running with Creative UK, with none of the films being greenlit for production, but three of the six projects receiving £100,000 awards for further development.
Netflix executives contacted each of the six filmmaking teams individually on May 31 to confirm it would not be progressing their projects to production through Breakout.
Earlier that day, the teams received an email from Creative UK. The email that Screen has seen did not provide specific feedback, but individually told the...
- 6/15/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Netflix growth in the UK Market has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, having recently revealed their commitment to the UK creative industry with a $6 billion investment.
Speaking on stage at See What’s Next, Anne Mensah, Vice President, Content, Netflix UK shared news of new productions for Netflix. Created and written by Joe Barton the Keira Knightley led ‘Black Doves. From Left Bank Pictures, ‘Department Q,’ an 8-part series, lead directed by multi-award-winning Scott Frank and adapted by Chandni Lakhani, based on the novels of the same name from Danish author, Jussi Adler-Olsen. Shooting will take place in Edinburgh, where the story is set. They will also deliver a ‘Bank of Dave’ sequel.
Netflix is known for its gems, and coming up over the next year it certainly looks like it’s the streamer is certainly going to deliver from documentaries on British Icons to...
Speaking on stage at See What’s Next, Anne Mensah, Vice President, Content, Netflix UK shared news of new productions for Netflix. Created and written by Joe Barton the Keira Knightley led ‘Black Doves. From Left Bank Pictures, ‘Department Q,’ an 8-part series, lead directed by multi-award-winning Scott Frank and adapted by Chandni Lakhani, based on the novels of the same name from Danish author, Jussi Adler-Olsen. Shooting will take place in Edinburgh, where the story is set. They will also deliver a ‘Bank of Dave’ sequel.
Netflix is known for its gems, and coming up over the next year it certainly looks like it’s the streamer is certainly going to deliver from documentaries on British Icons to...
- 5/2/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Good afternoon Insiders and welcome to this week’s newsletter, Max Goldbart here with my hand on the tiller. Netflix was in London this week and there was plenty else going on for you to digest over lunch. Read on. And sign up and subscribe here.
Netflix Goes Big
London calling: Netflix has been on a major European charm offensive this year and Wednesday night was the UK’s turn to host a no-expense-spared event. Held at the Battersea Power Station – once a giant south London coal-power generator and now a futuristic mall, residential complex and cinema – the Netflix See What’s Next shindig saw presenter Anita Rani host the likes of Blue Story creator Rapman, actor and filmmaker Daniel Kaluuya and Sam McAlister of Prince Andrew interview fame. Sex Education star Alistair Petrie helmed a panel comprising Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney, The Witcher’s Joey Batey and The Crown’s Claudia Harrison,...
Netflix Goes Big
London calling: Netflix has been on a major European charm offensive this year and Wednesday night was the UK’s turn to host a no-expense-spared event. Held at the Battersea Power Station – once a giant south London coal-power generator and now a futuristic mall, residential complex and cinema – the Netflix See What’s Next shindig saw presenter Anita Rani host the likes of Blue Story creator Rapman, actor and filmmaker Daniel Kaluuya and Sam McAlister of Prince Andrew interview fame. Sex Education star Alistair Petrie helmed a panel comprising Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney, The Witcher’s Joey Batey and The Crown’s Claudia Harrison,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
New projects include UK series ‘Black Doves’, ‘Department Q’ and ‘Bank Of Dave: The Sequel’
Netflix has outlined its investment in the UK creative economy since 2020, totalling £4.8bn from making series and films.
Almost £1.2bn a year is now spent, an increase of nearly 50% each year between 2020 and 2023.
The US streamer has also set details of three new UK commissions. Rory Kinnear-led Bank Of Dave is getting a sequel, produced by Tempo Productions and Future Artists, and directed once again by Chris Foggin. It sees Dave Fishwick take on a new and more dangerous adversary in the shape of payday lenders,...
Netflix has outlined its investment in the UK creative economy since 2020, totalling £4.8bn from making series and films.
Almost £1.2bn a year is now spent, an increase of nearly 50% each year between 2020 and 2023.
The US streamer has also set details of three new UK commissions. Rory Kinnear-led Bank Of Dave is getting a sequel, produced by Tempo Productions and Future Artists, and directed once again by Chris Foggin. It sees Dave Fishwick take on a new and more dangerous adversary in the shape of payday lenders,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Netflix has invested nearly $6 billion in United Kingdom programming in the past four years, the streamer revealed on Wednesday.
The company noted that it has invested almost $1.5 billion per year producing films and television series across the United Kingdom – up half a billion dollars each year.
“It’s no secret that the UK produces some of the world’s most iconic entertainment,” Netflix’s vice president of UK Content Anne Mensah said in a statement. “This is true for Netflix, too – from ‘Top Boy’ to ‘The Crown,’ ‘Heartstopper’ to ‘The Tinder Swindler’ – our productions are some of the buzziest, most watched and zeitgeist defining in the world.”
Also Read:
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Creator Duo Gets 2-Season Order for Ballet Drama at Prime Video
Netflix boasts a total of 232.5 million subscribers globally as of the first quarter of 2023, including 77.37 million in its Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) region. Emea...
The company noted that it has invested almost $1.5 billion per year producing films and television series across the United Kingdom – up half a billion dollars each year.
“It’s no secret that the UK produces some of the world’s most iconic entertainment,” Netflix’s vice president of UK Content Anne Mensah said in a statement. “This is true for Netflix, too – from ‘Top Boy’ to ‘The Crown,’ ‘Heartstopper’ to ‘The Tinder Swindler’ – our productions are some of the buzziest, most watched and zeitgeist defining in the world.”
Also Read:
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Creator Duo Gets 2-Season Order for Ballet Drama at Prime Video
Netflix boasts a total of 232.5 million subscribers globally as of the first quarter of 2023, including 77.37 million in its Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) region. Emea...
- 4/26/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Netflix has announced three new U.K. commissions while also trumpeting its — somewhat sizeable — spend in the British creative economies.
At an event in London, the streamer unveiled two new series and a feature film. Black Doves comes from in-demand writer Joe Barton (Sky’s The Lazarus Project and the untitled Cloverfield sequel) and production company Sister (Chernobyl, The Power) and will see Keira Knightley play a woman whose secret identity becomes endangered when she embarks on a passionate affair. Meanwhile, Department Q — from The Crown banner Left Bank Pictures — is an eight-part detective series based on the novels of Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, with Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit) set as lead director.
On the feature front, Netflix also announced Bank of Dave: The Sequel, a follow up to last year’s popular comedy-drama — based on a true story — about a British businessman (played by 007 star Rory Kinnear) who...
At an event in London, the streamer unveiled two new series and a feature film. Black Doves comes from in-demand writer Joe Barton (Sky’s The Lazarus Project and the untitled Cloverfield sequel) and production company Sister (Chernobyl, The Power) and will see Keira Knightley play a woman whose secret identity becomes endangered when she embarks on a passionate affair. Meanwhile, Department Q — from The Crown banner Left Bank Pictures — is an eight-part detective series based on the novels of Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, with Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit) set as lead director.
On the feature front, Netflix also announced Bank of Dave: The Sequel, a follow up to last year’s popular comedy-drama — based on a true story — about a British businessman (played by 007 star Rory Kinnear) who...
- 4/26/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix will have invested almost $6Bn in UK content over four years by the end of 2023, the streamer has revealed.
Unveiling the news at a London Showcase tonight, Netflix said it has been spending an average of around $1.5Bn on films and TV series each year since 2020. In 2020, it spent $1Bn, which means the figure would likely have been higher in 2021, 2022 and for this year. Netflix did not provide a year-by-year breakdown of the figures.
According to Netflix VP, Content for the UK Anne Mensah, the $6Bn figure represents “an increase of nearly 50% on what we originally anticipated.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the investment, saying: “It is hugely welcome to see Netflix significantly increase its investment in the UK, demonstrating the sheer strength of our TV and film industry as the largest in Europe.”
Netflix has commissioned high-profile, big-budget shows such as Sex Education, The Crown and Heartstopper since...
Unveiling the news at a London Showcase tonight, Netflix said it has been spending an average of around $1.5Bn on films and TV series each year since 2020. In 2020, it spent $1Bn, which means the figure would likely have been higher in 2021, 2022 and for this year. Netflix did not provide a year-by-year breakdown of the figures.
According to Netflix VP, Content for the UK Anne Mensah, the $6Bn figure represents “an increase of nearly 50% on what we originally anticipated.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the investment, saying: “It is hugely welcome to see Netflix significantly increase its investment in the UK, demonstrating the sheer strength of our TV and film industry as the largest in Europe.”
Netflix has commissioned high-profile, big-budget shows such as Sex Education, The Crown and Heartstopper since...
- 4/26/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Keira Knightley is set to star in Netflix series “Black Doves,” the streamer unveiled today.
Written by “Giri/Haji” showrunner Joe Barton, the drama will see Knightley star as Helen, a woman with a secret identity who embarks on a passionate affair. When her lover falls victim to London’s shadowy underworld, Helen’s employers send an old friend, Sam, to protect her. The two of them soon embark on a high octane adventure set against a backdrop of diplomatic tension and Christmas.
“‘Black Doves’ is the story of two old friends coming back together, finding trust in one another in a world where trust can get you killed and, ultimately, changing the course of each other’s lives forever,” reads the logline.
The show will be produced by Barton’s production company Noisy Bear and Sister (“Chernobyl”). Barton and Knightley will exec produce alongside Jane Featherstone and Chris Fry for Sister.
Written by “Giri/Haji” showrunner Joe Barton, the drama will see Knightley star as Helen, a woman with a secret identity who embarks on a passionate affair. When her lover falls victim to London’s shadowy underworld, Helen’s employers send an old friend, Sam, to protect her. The two of them soon embark on a high octane adventure set against a backdrop of diplomatic tension and Christmas.
“‘Black Doves’ is the story of two old friends coming back together, finding trust in one another in a world where trust can get you killed and, ultimately, changing the course of each other’s lives forever,” reads the logline.
The show will be produced by Barton’s production company Noisy Bear and Sister (“Chernobyl”). Barton and Knightley will exec produce alongside Jane Featherstone and Chris Fry for Sister.
- 4/26/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix and the U.K.’s National Youth Theatre have launch an awareness program after a survey revealed alarming concerns about nepotism in the creative industries.
A National Youth Theatre survey of 3,000 young people across the U.K. found that the “nepo-baby” effect extended beyond on screen talent to behind the scenes roles too. Some 79% of young people believed they need connections rather than talent and determination to make it and a further two-thirds (68%) thought they needed to live in a big city to have a career in TV or film.
To alleviate these concerns, Ignite Your Creativity, a free program from Netflix and the National Youth Theatre, aims to help young people build networks and raise awareness about the wide range of behind the scenes careers in film, TV and theatre. The program will support 500 young people aged 14-25 years in South Wales, West Yorkshire and the Northeast of the country.
A National Youth Theatre survey of 3,000 young people across the U.K. found that the “nepo-baby” effect extended beyond on screen talent to behind the scenes roles too. Some 79% of young people believed they need connections rather than talent and determination to make it and a further two-thirds (68%) thought they needed to live in a big city to have a career in TV or film.
To alleviate these concerns, Ignite Your Creativity, a free program from Netflix and the National Youth Theatre, aims to help young people build networks and raise awareness about the wide range of behind the scenes careers in film, TV and theatre. The program will support 500 young people aged 14-25 years in South Wales, West Yorkshire and the Northeast of the country.
- 3/7/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The “Nepo baby” effect has been laid bare in the UK by Netflix/National Youth Theatre research that showed the vast majority of respondents believe connections rather than talent are required to make it big.
Unveiled alongside the research, the streamer and theater have launched the Ignite Your Creativity program to “crack the class ceiling,” which will support 500 young people in South Wales, West Yorkshire and the North East to build industry connections and knowledge of behind the scenes careers in film, TV and theater.
Four out of five (79%) of the 3,000 young people surveyed believe they need connections rather than talent and determination to make it, and that the issue isn’t limited to on-screen success but covers a wealth of positions behind the camera. One respondent to the survey said “nepo babies” emerge at all levels, adding: “Most people don’t seem to realize that this kind of nepotism isn’t just for celebrities.
Unveiled alongside the research, the streamer and theater have launched the Ignite Your Creativity program to “crack the class ceiling,” which will support 500 young people in South Wales, West Yorkshire and the North East to build industry connections and knowledge of behind the scenes careers in film, TV and theater.
Four out of five (79%) of the 3,000 young people surveyed believe they need connections rather than talent and determination to make it, and that the issue isn’t limited to on-screen success but covers a wealth of positions behind the camera. One respondent to the survey said “nepo babies” emerge at all levels, adding: “Most people don’t seem to realize that this kind of nepotism isn’t just for celebrities.
- 3/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The limited webseries ‘Eric’, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch, has filled out its main cast. Cumberbatch will now be joined by Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, Dan Fogler, Clarke Peters, Ivan Morris Howe, Phoebe Nicholls, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Odyue, Alexis Molnar, and Roberta Colindrez.
As per the official logline, the series is set in 1980s’ New York. The show follows “the desperate search of a father when his nine year old son disappears one morning on the way to school. Vincent (Cumberbatch), one of New York’s leading puppeteers and creator of the hugely popular children’s television show, ‘Good Day Sunshine,’ struggles to cope with the loss of his son, Edgar (Howe), becoming increasingly distressed and volatile”, reports ‘Variety’.
The description further states: “Full of self-loathing and guilt around Edgar’s disappearance, he clings to his son’s drawings of a blue monster puppet, Eric, convinced that if...
As per the official logline, the series is set in 1980s’ New York. The show follows “the desperate search of a father when his nine year old son disappears one morning on the way to school. Vincent (Cumberbatch), one of New York’s leading puppeteers and creator of the hugely popular children’s television show, ‘Good Day Sunshine,’ struggles to cope with the loss of his son, Edgar (Howe), becoming increasingly distressed and volatile”, reports ‘Variety’.
The description further states: “Full of self-loathing and guilt around Edgar’s disappearance, he clings to his son’s drawings of a blue monster puppet, Eric, convinced that if...
- 2/5/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
The Netflix limited series “Eric” starring Benedict Cumberbatch has filled out its main cast, Variety has learned.
Variety exclusively reported that Cumberbatch would star in the six-episode series in January. He will now be joined by: Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, Dan Fogler, Clarke Peters, Ivan Morris Howe, Phoebe Nicholls, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Odyue, Alexis Molnar, and Roberta Colindrez.
Full character descriptions can be seen below.
Per the official logline, the series is set in 1980s New York. The show follows “the desperate search of a father when his nine year old son disappears one morning on the way to school. Vincent (Cumberbatch), one of New York’s leading puppeteers and creator of the hugely popular children’s television show, ‘Good Day Sunshine,’ struggles to cope with the loss of his son, Edgar (Howe), becoming increasingly distressed and volatile. Full of self-loathing and guilt around Edgar’s disappearance,...
Variety exclusively reported that Cumberbatch would star in the six-episode series in January. He will now be joined by: Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, Dan Fogler, Clarke Peters, Ivan Morris Howe, Phoebe Nicholls, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Odyue, Alexis Molnar, and Roberta Colindrez.
Full character descriptions can be seen below.
Per the official logline, the series is set in 1980s New York. The show follows “the desperate search of a father when his nine year old son disappears one morning on the way to school. Vincent (Cumberbatch), one of New York’s leading puppeteers and creator of the hugely popular children’s television show, ‘Good Day Sunshine,’ struggles to cope with the loss of his son, Edgar (Howe), becoming increasingly distressed and volatile. Full of self-loathing and guilt around Edgar’s disappearance,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Benedict Cumberbatch is to lead and EP Netflix’s Eric, playing a puppeteer whose son goes missing in 1980s Manhattan.
Netflix has set cast on the Abi Morgan-penned show from Chernobyl producer Sister and the likes of Gaby Hoffman, McKinley Belcher II, Dan Fogler and Phoebe Nicholls will star opposite Cumberbatch. Cast is rounded out by Clarke Peters, Ivan Morris Howe, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Odyue, Alexis Molnar and Roberta Colindrez.
The six-parter follows Vincent Anderson (Cumberbatch), a grief-stricken puppeteer on a leading TV show whose young boy goes missing and who finds solace through his friendship with Eric, the monster that lives under his son’s bed. The Split scribe Morgan’s Little Chick is producing with Sister and Morgan EPing alongside Cumberbatch, Jane Featherstone, Lucy Dyke and Lucy Forbes.
“Eric is a dark and crazy journey into the heart of 1980’s New York, and the good...
Netflix has set cast on the Abi Morgan-penned show from Chernobyl producer Sister and the likes of Gaby Hoffman, McKinley Belcher II, Dan Fogler and Phoebe Nicholls will star opposite Cumberbatch. Cast is rounded out by Clarke Peters, Ivan Morris Howe, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Odyue, Alexis Molnar and Roberta Colindrez.
The six-parter follows Vincent Anderson (Cumberbatch), a grief-stricken puppeteer on a leading TV show whose young boy goes missing and who finds solace through his friendship with Eric, the monster that lives under his son’s bed. The Split scribe Morgan’s Little Chick is producing with Sister and Morgan EPing alongside Cumberbatch, Jane Featherstone, Lucy Dyke and Lucy Forbes.
“Eric is a dark and crazy journey into the heart of 1980’s New York, and the good...
- 2/3/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has canceled its planned adaptation of Stuart Turton’s prize-winning novel “The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.”
The project had been on the first development slate from Netflix VP of content for the U.K., Anne Mensah, for more than two years, but sources indicate that it never made it into production.
Author Turton first revealed the U-turn by the streamer on Jan. 12 in a now-deleted tweet. “Alright pals, I come bearing bad news,” he wrote. “Netflix has canned its plans to make a telly adaptation of ‘Seven Deaths.’ Sad news, but thems the breaks. We’re looking for another home for it, but the focus at the minute is making sure it’s fucking brilliant when it does arrive.”
Netflix first announced the adaptation in December 2020 as part of a slate of seven local originals that included the Rowan Atkinson-starring comedy “Man vs Bee.” Sophie Petzal, an...
The project had been on the first development slate from Netflix VP of content for the U.K., Anne Mensah, for more than two years, but sources indicate that it never made it into production.
Author Turton first revealed the U-turn by the streamer on Jan. 12 in a now-deleted tweet. “Alright pals, I come bearing bad news,” he wrote. “Netflix has canned its plans to make a telly adaptation of ‘Seven Deaths.’ Sad news, but thems the breaks. We’re looking for another home for it, but the focus at the minute is making sure it’s fucking brilliant when it does arrive.”
Netflix first announced the adaptation in December 2020 as part of a slate of seven local originals that included the Rowan Atkinson-starring comedy “Man vs Bee.” Sophie Petzal, an...
- 1/17/2023
- by K.J. Yossman and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Trailer
Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins can be heard narrating “The Smeds and the Smoos,” the upcoming BBC adaptation of the book of the same name by beloved children’s writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, in a new trailer released today.
A loose re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the charming adaptation, from Magic Light Pictures, “The Smeds and the Smoos” also features the voices of “Bridgerton’s” Adjoa Andoh and comedian Bill Bailey (“Black Books”) as well as Meera Syal (“Roar”), Rob Brydon (“Gavin and Stacey”), Ashna Rabheru (“Sex Education”) and Daniel Ezra (“All American”).
It will air in the U.K. on Christmas Day.
Check out the trailer below:
Commission
A biopic of one of the U.K.’s most famous soccer siblings, Justin and John Fashanu, has been set at U.K. broadcaster ITV. Justin, who became Britain’s first Black soccer star to command £1 million,...
Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins can be heard narrating “The Smeds and the Smoos,” the upcoming BBC adaptation of the book of the same name by beloved children’s writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, in a new trailer released today.
A loose re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the charming adaptation, from Magic Light Pictures, “The Smeds and the Smoos” also features the voices of “Bridgerton’s” Adjoa Andoh and comedian Bill Bailey (“Black Books”) as well as Meera Syal (“Roar”), Rob Brydon (“Gavin and Stacey”), Ashna Rabheru (“Sex Education”) and Daniel Ezra (“All American”).
It will air in the U.K. on Christmas Day.
Check out the trailer below:
Commission
A biopic of one of the U.K.’s most famous soccer siblings, Justin and John Fashanu, has been set at U.K. broadcaster ITV. Justin, who became Britain’s first Black soccer star to command £1 million,...
- 12/2/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
It's a good time to be named Charlie Cox. Netflix's — and now Marvel's — "Daredevil" star is set to lead the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the blind lawyer with excessive Catholic guilt in "Daredevil: Born Again." With that renewed social currency, Cox is finding a wealth of other stories to tell. Among them is Netflix's upcoming limited series, "Treason," which the United Kingdoms and Ireland branch of the streaming juggernaut's Twitter account revealed the show's release date.
The announcement came bundled with a collection of first-look images showcasing Cox and some of his fellow cast members (more on them later) all looking very serious in suits and bulletproof vests. Considering "Treason" is set to be a spy thriller piece in the same vein as "James Bond" and "The Bourne Identity," the attire seems appropriate.
As of this writing, the newest information available is literally less than...
The announcement came bundled with a collection of first-look images showcasing Cox and some of his fellow cast members (more on them later) all looking very serious in suits and bulletproof vests. Considering "Treason" is set to be a spy thriller piece in the same vein as "James Bond" and "The Bourne Identity," the attire seems appropriate.
As of this writing, the newest information available is literally less than...
- 11/22/2022
- by Cameron Roy Hall
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Timewasters creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor has boarded Netflix Greek mythology reimagining Kaos.
News of the British actor-creator’s casting comes a few days after Deadline revealed Entourage star Debi Mazar will play Medusa. Lawrence Taylor is playing Theseus, it is understood.
Jeff Goldblum is playing Zeus, having replaced Hugh Grant, and others starring include Janet McTeer, David Thewlis, Aurora Perrineau as lead, Cliff Curtis, Killian Scott, Misia Butler, Leila Farzad, Nabhaan Rizwan, Rakie Ayola and Stanley Townsend.
Lawrence Taylor is a highly-rated British creative who was BAFTA nominated for Timewasters, the ITV2 sci-fi comedy that he also starred in from Outlaws indie Big Talk Productions, which followed an unsuccessful all-black South London jazz quartet who time-travel to the 1920s, and later the 1950s.
He is currently writing BBC Three’s Boarders, a drama following five underprivileged Black students who win scholarships to an elite British boarding school.
Kaos, from Chernobyl producer Sister and Anthem,...
News of the British actor-creator’s casting comes a few days after Deadline revealed Entourage star Debi Mazar will play Medusa. Lawrence Taylor is playing Theseus, it is understood.
Jeff Goldblum is playing Zeus, having replaced Hugh Grant, and others starring include Janet McTeer, David Thewlis, Aurora Perrineau as lead, Cliff Curtis, Killian Scott, Misia Butler, Leila Farzad, Nabhaan Rizwan, Rakie Ayola and Stanley Townsend.
Lawrence Taylor is a highly-rated British creative who was BAFTA nominated for Timewasters, the ITV2 sci-fi comedy that he also starred in from Outlaws indie Big Talk Productions, which followed an unsuccessful all-black South London jazz quartet who time-travel to the 1920s, and later the 1950s.
He is currently writing BBC Three’s Boarders, a drama following five underprivileged Black students who win scholarships to an elite British boarding school.
Kaos, from Chernobyl producer Sister and Anthem,...
- 8/30/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix’s British drama series Baby Reindeer has gone into production this week, and Deadline can reveal Jessica Gunning has landed a lead role opposite show creator Richard Gadd.
Gunning will play Martha, the female stalker at the center of Gadd’s story, which began life as a one-man stage play at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe and explores how the warped relationship impacted him and ultimately forced him to face a dark buried trauma. The play won an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement at an Affiliate Theatre.
Gunning is known for roles in Channel 4 comedy Back, Matthew Warchus picture Pride and more recently Jessica Swale’s Gemma Arterton-starring Summerland.
The End of the F*cking World producer Clerkenwell Films is making Baby Reindeer, which Netflix UK VP of Original Series Anne Mensah yesterday at the Edinburgh TV Festival revealed had gone into production.
Weronika Tofilska is...
Gunning will play Martha, the female stalker at the center of Gadd’s story, which began life as a one-man stage play at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe and explores how the warped relationship impacted him and ultimately forced him to face a dark buried trauma. The play won an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement at an Affiliate Theatre.
Gunning is known for roles in Channel 4 comedy Back, Matthew Warchus picture Pride and more recently Jessica Swale’s Gemma Arterton-starring Summerland.
The End of the F*cking World producer Clerkenwell Films is making Baby Reindeer, which Netflix UK VP of Original Series Anne Mensah yesterday at the Edinburgh TV Festival revealed had gone into production.
Weronika Tofilska is...
- 8/26/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Netflix is focused on offering its subscribers great content and welcomes competition despite its recent user growth challenges, Anne Mensah, vp, original series at Netflix in London since early 2019, said at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday.
“This is a company that is founded on resilience and innovation,” she said when asked about recent subscriber declines and rising competition from various sector players. “The whole industry is facing headwinds…. This is a tricky time for all of us.” She then mentioned high inflation and the cost of living crisis in Britain, concluding: “The people that we need to serve, we need to make sure that they absolutely 100 percent value what we are doing.”
She argued that “that is what we do” every day and also welcomed “competition” as “the best thing” and “amazing.” Mensah even praised the likes of the BBC, Disney+ and Paramount+ for their programming output.
Netflix is focused on offering its subscribers great content and welcomes competition despite its recent user growth challenges, Anne Mensah, vp, original series at Netflix in London since early 2019, said at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday.
“This is a company that is founded on resilience and innovation,” she said when asked about recent subscriber declines and rising competition from various sector players. “The whole industry is facing headwinds…. This is a tricky time for all of us.” She then mentioned high inflation and the cost of living crisis in Britain, concluding: “The people that we need to serve, we need to make sure that they absolutely 100 percent value what we are doing.”
She argued that “that is what we do” every day and also welcomed “competition” as “the best thing” and “amazing.” Mensah even praised the likes of the BBC, Disney+ and Paramount+ for their programming output.
- 8/25/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has put a doc series about British pop superstar Robbie Williams into production, as its UK original series chief Anne Mensah doubled down on the streamer’s commitment to the UK despite the incoming cost of living crisis and concerns over drops in share price.
The multi-part music doc will launch in 2023 and contain exclusive access to Williams. It is billed as “an unfiltered, in-depth examination of a global icon and natural-born-entertainer who had to navigate the highs and lows of being in the limelight for more than 30 years.”
Show will look at the media scrutiny that has followed the former Take That singer’s career, his relationship with adulation and addiction and his professional and personal break ups. Footage captured over more than 25 years will be included in the no-holds-barred look at the entertainer and will reveal a more nuanced and multifaceted character.
“He’s really willing to go there,...
The multi-part music doc will launch in 2023 and contain exclusive access to Williams. It is billed as “an unfiltered, in-depth examination of a global icon and natural-born-entertainer who had to navigate the highs and lows of being in the limelight for more than 30 years.”
Show will look at the media scrutiny that has followed the former Take That singer’s career, his relationship with adulation and addiction and his professional and personal break ups. Footage captured over more than 25 years will be included in the no-holds-barred look at the entertainer and will reveal a more nuanced and multifaceted character.
“He’s really willing to go there,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix’s Kaos has its Medusa.
Entourage star Debi Mazar will play the coveted role in the upcoming mythological series from End of the F***ing World creator Charlie Covell, joining an ensemble cast including Jeff Goldblum, Janet McTeer and David Thewlis. Goldblum will play Zeus, Deadline recently revealed, having replaced Hugh Grant due to schedule availabilities.
Other cast confirmed include Aurora Perrineau as lead, Cliff Curtis, Killian Scott, Misia Butler, Leila Farzad, Nabhaan Rizwan, Rakie Ayola and Stanley Townsend.
The show from Chernobyl producer Sister and Anthem is currently filming in Spain and is described as a “bold, darkly comic, contemporary take on Greek mythology, exploring love, life and power in the underworld.” It was first revealed in 2018 and officially greenlit by the UK team last year.
Mazar, who broke out in Goodfellas, Little Man Tate and Singles, is currently starring in Netflix’s The Pentaverate as Patty Davis,...
Entourage star Debi Mazar will play the coveted role in the upcoming mythological series from End of the F***ing World creator Charlie Covell, joining an ensemble cast including Jeff Goldblum, Janet McTeer and David Thewlis. Goldblum will play Zeus, Deadline recently revealed, having replaced Hugh Grant due to schedule availabilities.
Other cast confirmed include Aurora Perrineau as lead, Cliff Curtis, Killian Scott, Misia Butler, Leila Farzad, Nabhaan Rizwan, Rakie Ayola and Stanley Townsend.
The show from Chernobyl producer Sister and Anthem is currently filming in Spain and is described as a “bold, darkly comic, contemporary take on Greek mythology, exploring love, life and power in the underworld.” It was first revealed in 2018 and officially greenlit by the UK team last year.
Mazar, who broke out in Goodfellas, Little Man Tate and Singles, is currently starring in Netflix’s The Pentaverate as Patty Davis,...
- 8/22/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix’s Rapman-created Supacell series, about a group of regular people who gain superpowers, is up, up and away with Tosin Cole (61st Street) signed on to play lead character Michael Lasaki. Filming begins in South London on Monday.
Speaking exclusively to Deadline, Blue Story creator Rapman Aka Andrew Onwabolu said Cole’s Michael is a “van driver, an everyday working man, who’s deep in love” with Dionne, played by Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder).
The cast also includes Nadine Mills (The Weekend), Eric Kofi Abrefa, Calvin Demba (The Rig), Josh Tedeku (Moonhaven), Rayxia Ojo (Call The Midwife) and Giacomo Mancini (Top Boy).
Commissioned in 2021, the six-part superhero show sees a certain number of Black people in South London develop superpowers. Rapman is showrunner and lead director and Sebastian Thiel (Dreaming Whilst Black) will direct three of the episodes.
Cole’s casting...
Speaking exclusively to Deadline, Blue Story creator Rapman Aka Andrew Onwabolu said Cole’s Michael is a “van driver, an everyday working man, who’s deep in love” with Dionne, played by Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder).
The cast also includes Nadine Mills (The Weekend), Eric Kofi Abrefa, Calvin Demba (The Rig), Josh Tedeku (Moonhaven), Rayxia Ojo (Call The Midwife) and Giacomo Mancini (Top Boy).
Commissioned in 2021, the six-part superhero show sees a certain number of Black people in South London develop superpowers. Rapman is showrunner and lead director and Sebastian Thiel (Dreaming Whilst Black) will direct three of the episodes.
Cole’s casting...
- 8/11/2022
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Piers Wenger’s successor is former Sky drama development head.
The BBC has raided Netflix UK to appoint Lindsay Salt as its director of drama.
Reporting to chief content officer Charlotte Moore, Salt will be responsible for leading the commissioning team and delivering distinctive drama content.
She joined Netflix in 2019 from Sky, following the same path as the streamer’s vice president of content Anne Mensah.
Her commissions at the SVoD giant include Baby Reindeer, One Day, The F*** It Bucket, Palomino and Half Bad. She also worked across shows including Heartstopper and series five of The Crown.
Prior to that,...
The BBC has raided Netflix UK to appoint Lindsay Salt as its director of drama.
Reporting to chief content officer Charlotte Moore, Salt will be responsible for leading the commissioning team and delivering distinctive drama content.
She joined Netflix in 2019 from Sky, following the same path as the streamer’s vice president of content Anne Mensah.
Her commissions at the SVoD giant include Baby Reindeer, One Day, The F*** It Bucket, Palomino and Half Bad. She also worked across shows including Heartstopper and series five of The Crown.
Prior to that,...
- 7/15/2022
- by Ellie Kahn Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
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