Roku is getting further into the food TV space, picking up a new series called Best Bite Wins.
The food competition series will be hosted and executive produced by actor Josh Peck, with chef Monti Carlo serving as the show’s culinary expert. The six-episode series is produced by Velvet Hammer Media and Bongo Pictures.
The concept of Best Bite Wins is to turn cocktail party food into a competition, with professional chefs competing to present the best party food to hungry judges and clientele at real events, including birthday parties and retirement celebrations.
“We thrilled to partner with Josh Peck, Velvet Hammer Media, and [EP] Michael Bloom to bring a fresh and fun new competition series for our audience to devour,” said Olivia Laroche, head of alternative originals for Roku. “Food content deeply resonates with our streamers, and we’re pleased to give them more of what they love and...
The food competition series will be hosted and executive produced by actor Josh Peck, with chef Monti Carlo serving as the show’s culinary expert. The six-episode series is produced by Velvet Hammer Media and Bongo Pictures.
The concept of Best Bite Wins is to turn cocktail party food into a competition, with professional chefs competing to present the best party food to hungry judges and clientele at real events, including birthday parties and retirement celebrations.
“We thrilled to partner with Josh Peck, Velvet Hammer Media, and [EP] Michael Bloom to bring a fresh and fun new competition series for our audience to devour,” said Olivia Laroche, head of alternative originals for Roku. “Food content deeply resonates with our streamers, and we’re pleased to give them more of what they love and...
- 4/29/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Velvet Hammer Media, the non-scripted production company founded by Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn, has received a minority investment from global sports and entertainment company Endeavor.
William Morris Endeavor, talent agency within Endeavor, represents athletes from sports organizations like the NHL and NFL. Endeavor currently owns UFC and Pbr (Professional Bull Riders).
Vhm just recently secured series such as “The Big Bakeover” and Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” along with other unannounced development deals with Netflix, NBCU and other platforms. Together, O’Connell and Quinn serve as EPs on all Vhm projects. The pair founded Vhm earlier this year after departing their roles at Max (formerly HBO Max).
“Since starting Vhm, we have been inspired by the support and well wishes we received from across the industry, including from our colleagues and crew we’ve worked with over many years,” said O’Connell and Quinn in a statement. “For the last several months,...
William Morris Endeavor, talent agency within Endeavor, represents athletes from sports organizations like the NHL and NFL. Endeavor currently owns UFC and Pbr (Professional Bull Riders).
Vhm just recently secured series such as “The Big Bakeover” and Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” along with other unannounced development deals with Netflix, NBCU and other platforms. Together, O’Connell and Quinn serve as EPs on all Vhm projects. The pair founded Vhm earlier this year after departing their roles at Max (formerly HBO Max).
“Since starting Vhm, we have been inspired by the support and well wishes we received from across the industry, including from our colleagues and crew we’ve worked with over many years,” said O’Connell and Quinn in a statement. “For the last several months,...
- 7/7/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Endeavor is making another move in the unscripted content space, investing in Velvet Hammer Media, founded by producers Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn.
Velvet Hammer launched earlier this year, and has already secured greenlights for shows like The Big Bakeover for The CW and Roku Channel’s Empty Nest Refresh. The company also has projects in development at Netflix and NBCUniversal, among other companies.
Terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Unscripted fare has long been a staple of TV networks and streaming services, but the ongoing writers strike has made the space even more appealing, with production on the programs able to continue even as everything else gets shut down.
O’Connell and Quinn are industry veterans, with O’Connell most recently executive VP of nonfiction and live action family originals at HBO Max (including shows like FBoy Island and Selena + Chef), while Quinn was senior VP of nonfiction at HBO Max.
Endeavor,...
Velvet Hammer launched earlier this year, and has already secured greenlights for shows like The Big Bakeover for The CW and Roku Channel’s Empty Nest Refresh. The company also has projects in development at Netflix and NBCUniversal, among other companies.
Terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Unscripted fare has long been a staple of TV networks and streaming services, but the ongoing writers strike has made the space even more appealing, with production on the programs able to continue even as everything else gets shut down.
O’Connell and Quinn are industry veterans, with O’Connell most recently executive VP of nonfiction and live action family originals at HBO Max (including shows like FBoy Island and Selena + Chef), while Quinn was senior VP of nonfiction at HBO Max.
Endeavor,...
- 7/7/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Endeavor Group Holdings has taken a minority stake in Velvet Hammer Media, a non-scripted production company co-founded by Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn in February.
With a focus on both premium and global formats, Vhm has secured multiple series greenlights with a range of streamers and networks, including “The Big Bakeover” for The CW, Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” and others not yet announced. O’Connell and Quinn serve as executive producers on all projects, with Vhm also providing production services.
Vhm also has development deals and projects in the works at Netflix and NBCUniversal, among other platforms. Development executive and producer Nick Alarcon joined Vhm as vice president. Additionally, Vhm has launched an “Inside Access Program,” which aims to hire and develop underrepresented talent behind the camera.
“Over the course of their careers, Jen and Rebecca have developed and produced some of television’s most provocative shows, entertained broad audiences,...
With a focus on both premium and global formats, Vhm has secured multiple series greenlights with a range of streamers and networks, including “The Big Bakeover” for The CW, Roku’s “Empty Nest Refresh” and others not yet announced. O’Connell and Quinn serve as executive producers on all projects, with Vhm also providing production services.
Vhm also has development deals and projects in the works at Netflix and NBCUniversal, among other platforms. Development executive and producer Nick Alarcon joined Vhm as vice president. Additionally, Vhm has launched an “Inside Access Program,” which aims to hire and develop underrepresented talent behind the camera.
“Over the course of their careers, Jen and Rebecca have developed and produced some of television’s most provocative shows, entertained broad audiences,...
- 7/7/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Season 5 of “Love Island USA” is set to premiere on July 18 exclusively on Peacock, the streamer announced Wednesday.
The fifth season of “Love Island USA” will take place in Fiji with an all-new group of singles. Throughout the season, islanders will compete in challenges, face temptations and forge new relationships. Each week, new episodes will be available for streaming six days a week.
“Love Island USA” stands as Peacock’s most-streamed original reality competition series, heightening the anticipation for the show’s fifth season. David George, Adam Sher, Simon Thomas, Ben Thursby-Palmer, Andy Cadman, Iona Mackenzie and Claudine Parrish serve as executive producers, alongside Tom Gould, Richard Cowles, Mike Spencer, Richard Foster and Chet Fenster. The series is produced by ITV Entertainment.
Watch the concept trailer below.
Greenlights
Roku greenlit “Empty Nest Refresh,” a new home renovation series hosted by Liza Koshy and featuring design expert Orlando Soria.
The six-episode...
The fifth season of “Love Island USA” will take place in Fiji with an all-new group of singles. Throughout the season, islanders will compete in challenges, face temptations and forge new relationships. Each week, new episodes will be available for streaming six days a week.
“Love Island USA” stands as Peacock’s most-streamed original reality competition series, heightening the anticipation for the show’s fifth season. David George, Adam Sher, Simon Thomas, Ben Thursby-Palmer, Andy Cadman, Iona Mackenzie and Claudine Parrish serve as executive producers, alongside Tom Gould, Richard Cowles, Mike Spencer, Richard Foster and Chet Fenster. The series is produced by ITV Entertainment.
Watch the concept trailer below.
Greenlights
Roku greenlit “Empty Nest Refresh,” a new home renovation series hosted by Liza Koshy and featuring design expert Orlando Soria.
The six-episode...
- 6/23/2023
- by McKinley Franklin and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Roku is doing up its house and has tasked Liza Koshy to help.
The streamer has ordered Empty Nest Refresh from Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn’s Velvet Hammer Media.
Koshy, who starred in YouTube original series Liza on Demand and was the first female transformer in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, will host the series with interior designer Orlando Soria serving as the series’ design expert.
Empty Nest Refresh follows young adults moving out of their parents’ houses, but before they go, to show their love and appreciation, they’re turning their childhood bedrooms into the rooms of their parents’ dreams.
Dean Ollins serves as showrunner on the six-episode series and will exec produce alongside O’Connell, Quinn and Koshy. Nick Alarcon serves as a co-executive producer.
“Our streamers are huge fans of home renovation series, and we’re thrilled to work with the production team, Liza, and Orlando to bring a fresh,...
The streamer has ordered Empty Nest Refresh from Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn’s Velvet Hammer Media.
Koshy, who starred in YouTube original series Liza on Demand and was the first female transformer in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, will host the series with interior designer Orlando Soria serving as the series’ design expert.
Empty Nest Refresh follows young adults moving out of their parents’ houses, but before they go, to show their love and appreciation, they’re turning their childhood bedrooms into the rooms of their parents’ dreams.
Dean Ollins serves as showrunner on the six-episode series and will exec produce alongside O’Connell, Quinn and Koshy. Nick Alarcon serves as a co-executive producer.
“Our streamers are huge fans of home renovation series, and we’re thrilled to work with the production team, Liza, and Orlando to bring a fresh,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Though the CW is beginning to pivot much more heavily to reality fare, with “All American” as the only original scripted series on its fall 2023 lineup, the network has added three new scripted projects to its slate for 2024: “Joan,” “The Librarians: The Next Chapter” and “The Swarm.” Additionally, 2024 will see the premieres of unscripted series “Patti Stanger: Millionaire Matchmaking,” “The Force” and “The Great American Bakeover” (all working titles).
All newly announced series are currently in production.
“Joan” stars Sophie Turner (“Game of Thrones”) as Joan Hannington, the notorious real-life jewel thief. Set in 1980s London, the series sees Joan as a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, Kelly, while trapped in a disastrous marriage with a violent criminal named Gary. When Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to adopt new identities and embark on a high-stakes journey to create a new life for herself and Kelly.
All newly announced series are currently in production.
“Joan” stars Sophie Turner (“Game of Thrones”) as Joan Hannington, the notorious real-life jewel thief. Set in 1980s London, the series sees Joan as a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, Kelly, while trapped in a disastrous marriage with a violent criminal named Gary. When Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to adopt new identities and embark on a high-stakes journey to create a new life for herself and Kelly.
- 5/18/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The CW revealed three more unscripted series after presenting its fall schedule.
The network has ordered The Great American Bakeover (w/t), which marks the first order for former HBO Max reality chief Jen O’Connell’s Velvet Hammer banner, The Force from Jersey Shore creator SallyAnn Salsano, and Patti Stanger: Millionaire Matchmaking (w/t).
It comes after programming chief Brad Schwartz revealed that it was in production on 15 unscripted series and in development with at least ten more.
Related: The CW Fall 2023 Schedule
The Great American Bakeover follows struggling bakeries all over the country that are having a tough time keeping their doors open. Baker Nancy Birtwhistle is traveling to each small-town storefront to give them a much-needed bakeover to save them from bakeruptcy. O’Connell and Velvet Hammer Co-CEO Rebecca Quinn serve as executive producers.
Related: The CW “No Longer Built For The Benefit Of Studios” Says Brad Schwartz...
The network has ordered The Great American Bakeover (w/t), which marks the first order for former HBO Max reality chief Jen O’Connell’s Velvet Hammer banner, The Force from Jersey Shore creator SallyAnn Salsano, and Patti Stanger: Millionaire Matchmaking (w/t).
It comes after programming chief Brad Schwartz revealed that it was in production on 15 unscripted series and in development with at least ten more.
Related: The CW Fall 2023 Schedule
The Great American Bakeover follows struggling bakeries all over the country that are having a tough time keeping their doors open. Baker Nancy Birtwhistle is traveling to each small-town storefront to give them a much-needed bakeover to save them from bakeruptcy. O’Connell and Velvet Hammer Co-CEO Rebecca Quinn serve as executive producers.
Related: The CW “No Longer Built For The Benefit Of Studios” Says Brad Schwartz...
- 5/18/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When “Summer of Soul” sold for $15 million out of the 2021 pandemic-virtual Sundance Film Festival, we saw the peak of the documentary boom. Questlove’s feature debut was a Sundance record, but it wasn’t alone; other Sundance docs like “Fire of Love” and “Flee” sold for high-seven figures.
Today, Sundance 2023 premiere “It’s Only Life After All,” which included its subjects the Indigo Girls performing at the festival’s Opening Night fundraiser, has yet to find a buyer. Ditto “Going Varsity in Mariachi,” “The Disappearance of Shere Hite,” or Doug Liman’s Brett Kavanaugh doc “Justice.”
Sundance also had documentaries that came with distribution, like Hulu’s “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” Amazon’s “Judy Blume Forever,” and Apple’s “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.” However, if you’re looking for documentaries that aren’t based on high-recognition IP, or concepts that can’t be parceled into irresistible, cliff-hanging episodes — well,...
Today, Sundance 2023 premiere “It’s Only Life After All,” which included its subjects the Indigo Girls performing at the festival’s Opening Night fundraiser, has yet to find a buyer. Ditto “Going Varsity in Mariachi,” “The Disappearance of Shere Hite,” or Doug Liman’s Brett Kavanaugh doc “Justice.”
Sundance also had documentaries that came with distribution, like Hulu’s “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” Amazon’s “Judy Blume Forever,” and Apple’s “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.” However, if you’re looking for documentaries that aren’t based on high-recognition IP, or concepts that can’t be parceled into irresistible, cliff-hanging episodes — well,...
- 4/11/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
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