ITV

Tag: Gary R Benz

  • GRB Media Ranch licenses multiple seasons of ‘Untold Stories of the E.R.’ to +SBT Brazil

    GRB Media Ranch licenses multiple seasons of ‘Untold Stories of the E.R.’ to +SBT Brazil

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch president Sophie Ferron announced that the company has licensed seven seasons of Untold Stories of the E.R. to Brazil’s streaming platform +SBT. The series was also recently licensed as a format to Khelgejo for production in Africa, marking GRB Media’s continued territorial and format expansion for this popular program. GRB Media Ranch acquisition & sales executive Liz Levenson will attend MIPCancun to engage with Latin American market representatives.

    Untold Stories of the E.R. is a medical docuseries re-enacting real emergency room cases, showcasing doctors’ expertise and decision-making under intense pressure. GRB Studios’ CEO, Gary R Benz created the iconic series, and he exec-produced 13 seasons within 15 years. The series has been broadcast in 214 territories and has received strong format interest.

    Ferron stated: “We’re thrilled to announce the continued success of Untold Stories of the E.R., as it finds a new home with SBT. It’s rare to come across an IP that continues to resonate with audiences across the globe year after year, and we’re incredibly grateful for its enduring appeal. This series has proven time and again that great storytelling transcends borders, and we look forward to seeing Untold Stories connecting with Brazilian viewers once more — and we anticipate it will inspire local productions in the near future.”

    SBT’s content acquisition and sales manager, Goyo Pessoa Garcia stated, “+SBT, SBT’s streaming platform, aims to bring Brazilian audiences the best content options across a wide variety of genres. Adding Untold Stories of the ER to our catalog seeks to meet the demand of viewers who crave quality docuseries productions and are drawn to the drama and emotional stories each episode brings.”

  • GRB Media Ranch secures European deals ahead of Mipcom

    GRB Media Ranch secures European deals ahead of Mipcom

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO Gary R Benz announced several European deals secured ahead of Mipcom 2024, where the company is exhibiting at Stand R7.A16.

    GRB Media Ranch closed deals with France Television and Telefonica for God & Country, a political documentary by Dan Partland and Rob Reiner. YES Israel licensed Magnolia’s Hope, a documentary about a family coping with their daughter’s battle with Rett Syndrome, a rare disorder, chronicling eight years of their journey.

    Heritage Films acquired the holiday feature Carol of the Bells and its behind-the-scenes documentary for several MENA countries. Produced by Joey Travolta and starring RJ Mitte (from Breaking Bad), the film follows a man discovering his biological mother is developmentally disabled. The film was created by Inclusion Films in partnership with Futures Explored and Options for All, with 70 per cent of the crew members having developmental disabilities.

    GRB Media Ranch also secured paranormal content deals with JOJ Slovakia and Pluto Nordics. JOJ Slovakia acquired Death Walker (59 x 60′), where Nick Groff investigates the origins of America’s most notorious hauntings, and Aliens on the Moon (1 x 120′), a documentary special that examines alternate theories regarding the 1969 moon landing. Pluto Nordics picked up Death Walker as well as Untold Stories of the E.R., On the Case, and Full Force Nature for Scandinavia.

    Benz stated: “GRB Media Ranch is going into this Mipcom with our highest activity level in our history with several great deals to announce, a major slate of acquisitions and a FAST digital strategy. These deals signify the diverse slate we have, and our partners trust us to bring them only the most compelling and premium shows that are sure to engage their viewers. Sophie, Liz, and Will are ready to meet with partners from all around the world at the market.”

  • GRB Media Ranch appoints Will Marks as principal advisor for digital (FAST)

    GRB Media Ranch appoints Will Marks as principal advisor for digital (FAST)

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO Gary R Benz has announced the company’s continued growth with a new digital strategy, with soon-to-launch FAST (free ad-supported TV) channels and AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) distribution platforms. Industry veteran Will Marks was retained to develop and implement the forward-facing strategy. He will attend MIPCOM next month to expand the Company’s relationship with content and distribution partners.

    Two FAST channels are planned for launch in Q4 ‘24 across the US and many English-speaking territories (US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). Each channel will launch with over 400 hours of programming, adding additional content regularly. Additional territories will be launched throughout 2025, along with more channels.

    A paranormal-themed FAST channel, titled ‘The Unseen’ (wt) will include shows from the GRB Media Ranch ‘Dark Zone’ programming collection, including Paranormal Files and Paranormal Quest.

    Also, a travel, food, and culture-themed FAST channel, titled ‘WNDR’ (Wander) will carry programming including Top Travel; South Africa with Hayden Quinn; World of Wonder; and many more globe-spanning series.

    Several more FAST channels are in development for distribution worldwide for next year.

    Marks comes to GRB Media Ranch with sterling credentials as a seasoned industry executive. He was previously SVP, business development & digital at Ovation Television where he founded and led the digital portfolio, including the TV-Everywhere app OvationNOW and the FAST channels Mystery Alley and JOURNY. Marks led the channels to distribution on 300mm plus devices across the US and Canada on connected TVs and video platforms including Amazon Fire, Roku, Samsung TVPlus, Vizio WatchFree+, Plex; and the Apple iOS and Google Android mobile platforms. JOURNY, a perennial ‘Top 3’ travel network on Roku also won the ‘Best AVOD Service’ award from Cynopsis in 2021. Marks had previously served in executive roles leading business development, strategy, and digital teams at ComcastNBCU, Intel Corp, and The Walt Disney Company.

    Benz stated, “GRB Media Ranch is truly excited to launch our digital strategy with two FAST channels in 4Q and we are pleased that Will Marks will share his expertise and distribution savvy to help with this next step in our company’s evolution. We feel fortunate to have many hours of premium programming in paranormal and travel for our launch.”

    Marks added, “GRB Media Ranch built a tremendous content library and continuously acquires compelling programming   across diverse genres. We can’t wait to thrill and chill viewers with the ghosts and haunts on The Unseen; and then take consumers on amazing adventures around the world on WNDR. These new FAST channels are a cornerstone of GRB Media Ranch’s new distribution approach, bringing captivating programming to worldwide audiences. I look forward to working with Gary and the entire GRB Media team in helping them increase the company’s reach around the world.”

  • GRB Media Ranch announces format and factual deals with African exhibitors

    GRB Media Ranch announces format and factual deals with African exhibitors

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO Gary R Benz has announced several format and factual program deals with African exhibitors, brokered by GRB Media Ranch sales executive Liz Levenson. The first international format sale ever of GRB Studios’ long-running series, Untold Stories of the E.R., has been licensed to Khelgejo for production in Africa. The 150-plus-episode docuseries has been licensed into 200-plus countries over its 20-year life.

    Untold Stories of E.R., licensed to Khelgejo for production in Africa, showcases intense true stories demonstrating the dramatic nature of medicine practiced under pressure, where every moment can be a turning point. See how a doctor’s personal blend of expertise, coolness under fire, and decision-making ability are challenged by unpredictable circumstances and unexpected conditions.

    Blind Dating was licensed to production company Aby Media for production in Africa: Swipe right on the person of your dreams in this studio-based dating game show! Blind Dating creates perfect matches between three single men and three single women. In each episode, without seeing each other, the participants must find their love match by simply answering questions while digging for clues – and some dirt – on social media. Watch these singles try to impress, get picked, and go home with a mate. A hit show in French Canada for many years.

    Wild Zambezi was licensed to Ster Kinekor for theatrical release in South Africa and sold to The Africa Channel for worldwide distribution, excluding Africa. The series consists of eight 60-minute episodes, exploring the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and highlighting the challenges posed by the encroachment of civilization. This development reflects the broader existential crisis facing vulnerable ecosystems worldwide.

    Relative Justice, a court program, was licensed to VIU for Africa for seasons one and two, each consisting of 150 episodes of 30 minutes: Family drama is common, often surfacing as arguments around the dinner table. Usually, these disagreements are harmless, sometimes even humorous. However, when family conflicts escalate, especially over money, they can become destructive. *Relative Justice* is a daily arbitration-based reality court show where judge Rhonda Wills handles these family disputes.

    Benz stated: “GRB Media Ranch is pleased to announce our African formats and factual program deals with new clients including The Africa Channel, Ster Kinekor, VIU, and Aby Media.  We continue to acquire program of broad but targeted interest, and we are especially excited about the first international format sale to Khelgejo Productions of our GRB Studios’ created show, Untold Stories of the E.R. and to see a locally produced version in Africa. As we say, at GRB Media Ranch, we’ve got stories!”

  • GRB Media Ranch announces additional post MIP-TV sales of programs and format

    GRB Media Ranch announces additional post MIP-TV sales of programs and format

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch’s CEO Gary R. Benz announced license deals for several factual programs and a celebrity-based formats. The program buyers reach audiences in the U.S., U.K. Germany, Australia and Israel.

    Details follow:

    On the Case was licensed to Seven Network in Australia. On the Case explores intriguing, real-life murder mysteries. Through in-depth interviews, this series features those closest to the case and examines the forensic evidence that helped unravel the mystery. First-person accounts from witnesses and suspects reveal the raw emotions left behind from personal tragedies and the motives of the perpetrators. 124 hours

    Magnolia’s Hope was licensed to ‘YES’ for Israel. This documentary follows a family’s actions as they initially attempt to cure their daughter from a rare, debilitating disorder. The final diagnosis is heartbreaking – Rett Syndrome, after which the family struggles to cope with the child’s special needs. Spanning eight years of her life, Magnolia’s Hope is a raw, first-hand account of the emotional struggles and experiences as the family endures the ongoing demands of their child’s condition. 1 x 60

    Relative Justice season one & two were licensed to OTT Studio for the U.S.A. judge Rhonda Wills is a dynamic, captivating, and compassionate tour de force delivering justice in this arbitration-based reality court show which centers on resolving intra-family legal disputes. Wills dispenses legal advice with a nod toward rebuilding relationships to get beyond current family conflicts. Real people, real cases, real families in crisis. 303 episodes

    Death Walker S2 renewal to Discovery for UK. The paranormal investigative series is hosted by series creator, Nick Groff, who theorizes and investigates the origin of some of the most notorious hauntings in America, redefining our understanding of the paranormal. 15 episodes

    Format Sale: 12 Star Hotel optioned in the U.S.A. by River Rock Films. 12 Star Hotel is a reality competition where twelve celebrities take over a real hotel, working all staff positions from management to maid service to serve the public with no outside help for two weeks. Judged by hospitality, entertainment and hotelier industry pros, will the celebrities be named as the perfect hosts, or be eliminated when unable to cope with demanding clientele?

    GRB Media Ranch president Sophie Ferron stated: ” GRB Media Ranch is pleased to announce the sales of its content to long-time clients and new buyers. We are expanding our Format presence and are excited that 12 Star Hotel has been optioned in the U.S. These agreements are representative of the reception we have gotten to the Company’s continued acquisition of highly watchable content. Still in the initial year of its merger, GRB Media Ranch is delighted to see the results of its efforts. At GRB Media Ranch, we’ve got stories!”

  • GRB Media Ranch acquires three compelling political documentaries for international distribution

    GRB Media Ranch acquires three compelling political documentaries for international distribution

    Mumbai: Coinciding with the guilty verdict of the hush money/porn star payoff trial, GRB Media Ranch has announced its acquisition of #Untruth, a political documentary about the psychology of “TrumpISM” and the authoritarian strain that it seeded in the American political landscape.

    This documentary by director Dan Partland, multiple Emmy Award winning and executive producer, and president of Doc Shop Productions, accompanies two other Partland productions available through GRB Media Ranch on the topic: #Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump and God + Country, a look into the growth of white, Christian nationalism in the U.S.

    Released theatrically, God + Country (co-produced by Rob Reiner), opened to rave reviews in the New York Times, Christianity Today and the Hollywood Reporter and received an 88 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

    Benz stated: “We acquired these programs just at the time that Donald J. Trump was found guilty by a jury of his peers. GRB Media Ranch is proud to include them in its portfolio of timely documentaries on compelling subjects produced by an acclaimed filmmaker – Dan Partland.  In a historic U.S. election year where the subjects of the films reflect the deep divisions within the nation, these riveting political documentaries are essential viewing!  At GRB Media Ranch, we get stories – riveting, topical, compelling.”

    Partland added: “Democracies around the world are under threat like we haven’t seen in 100 years.  Hopefully, yesterday’s verdict in New York is the beginning of an American recommitment to the fundamental values of liberal democracy that have been so eroded by the global wave of intolerance and authoritarianism, which is drowning our body politic.”

  • GRB Media Ranch acquires four new documentaries

    GRB Media Ranch acquires four new documentaries

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO, Gary R Benz announced the acquisition of four hot topical new documentaries covering a range of headline grabbing events.

    The content includes the murder investigation of Tupak Shakur: Tupac: 187 (working title), an art theft in Ottawa in Stealing Churchill, and sensational political topics: God & Country and Unfit. The company will present all four docs at MIPDoc and MIPTV next week where GRB Media Ranch president, Sophie Ferron and GRB sales & acquisitions’ executive Liz Levenson will be in attendance.

    Tupac: 187 (working title) after 30 years, the case of murdered Rap superstar Tupac Shakur may finally get resolved when an accused Las Vegas man stands trial. Discover the criminal negligence and its impact on the night of the shooting and see the development of the false narrative that was devised to cover it up; and track the “big lie” all the way from its inception five minutes after the shooting until this moment – the current case in Nevada. Was the right guy caught? (5×60’)

    Stealing Churchill is an investigative documentary taking audiences to the heart of the unlikely heist that shocked the international arts community: the theft of the famous Winston Churchill portrait by Yousuf Karsh. This masterwork painting was stolen from the Reading Lounge in Ottawa’s Château Laurier and replaced by a fake which was only discovered eight months later. Has the portrait of the Roaring Lion, a work of art that launched Yousuf Karsh’s international career, disappeared forever?  (1 x 60’)  

    Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump:  This documentary explores if Donald Trump is psychologically fit to hold the office of President of the United States. This is an eye-opening analysis of Trump by leading U.S. mental health professionals and political observers and those who had intimate personal contact with him and his behavior. (1 x 90’)

    God & Country:  From award-winning director Dan Partland (Intervention) and mega-producer Rob Reiner, this vital documentary reveals the dangerous implications of Christian Nationalism which distorts the U.S.  Constitution and Christianity itself.  What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?  (1 X 90’)

    Gary R Benz stated: “GRB Media Ranch is thrilled to debut four exciting new documentaries to add to its expanding non-fiction portfolio. The new content is both topical and unnerving and complements our library of over 5,000 hours of premium finished programs and formats.  We are delighted to introduce them to the market at this time when the subject matter continues to attract headlines in the media. As we say at GRB Media Ranch – we’ve got stories!”

  • GRB Media Ranch secures Relative Justice series deal with CBS AMC Networks in Malta, MEA

    GRB Media Ranch secures Relative Justice series deal with CBS AMC Networks in Malta, MEA

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO Gary R Benz announced sales with CBS AMC Networks for its reality legal series Relative Justice (150 x ‘30) for the territories of  Malta, the Middle East and Africa. The deal was brokered by Liz Levenson, GRB Media Ranch Distribution & Acquisition Executive.

    The Company also announced yet another deal for its flagship series Untold Stories of the E.R. for several seasons in Italy by Discovery. The deal was closed by GRB Media Ranch president, Sophie Ferron. Other recently announced deals for this long-running popular series include acquisition by FilmRise of 120 episodes, for the United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and all other English-language territories, (Jan 2024) and Discovery for Spain (Fall 2023).

    Relative Justice: Real people, real cases, real families in crisis. Judge Rhonda Wills is a dynamic, captivating, and compassionate tour de force delivering justice in this arbitration-based reality court show which centers on resolving inter-family legal disputes. Wills dispenses legal advice with a nod toward rebuilding relationships to get beyond current family conflicts.  (photo below)

    Untold Stories of the E.R. is a dramatic medical docu-series re-enacting intense real-life stories of the emergency room, demonstrating the true nature of medicine practiced under pressure, where every moment can be a turning point. Audiences witness how a doctor’s personal blend of expertise, coolness under fire, and decision-making ability are challenged by unpredictable circumstances – and how character makes the ultimate difference. GRB Studios’ Benz created the iconic series, and he exec-produced 13 seasons within 15 years. The series has been broadcast in 214 territories and has received strong Format interest.

    Gary R Benz stated: “GRB Media Ranch is pleased to announce that CBS AMC Networks has acquired our brilliant family legal series, Relative Justice, in which family court issues are heard and decided. We are excited that yet another territory – Italy – has taken our proprietary signature series, Untold Stories of the E.R., a fast-paced series about unique stories of emergency room doctors and nurses, saving lives and highlighting the drama of medical crises.”

  • GRB Media Ranch announces license deals at NATPE Global

    GRB Media Ranch announces license deals at NATPE Global

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch president, Sophie Ferron announced that Discovery Spain had renewed the license of five seasons of Untold Stories of the E.R.,  the company’s flagship medical reality series, and purchased an additional license for the most recent season (13) of that program. GRB Studios’ Gary R. Benz created the iconic series, exec-producing 13 seasons in 15 years. Untold Stories of the E.R. has been broadcast in 214 territories. The company has also received renewed interest in formatting the show around the world.

    Untold Stories of the E.R. is a dramatic medical docu-series re-enacting intense real-life stories of the emergency room, demonstrating the true nature of medicine practiced under pressure, where every moment can be a turning point. Audiences witness how a doctor’s personal blend of expertise, coolness under fire, and decision-making ability are challenged by unpredictable circumstances – and how character makes the ultimate difference.

    Death Walker, another GRB Media Ranch program with four seasons produced, has been purchased by both Discovery UK and France’s Canal Plus. The paranormal investigative series is hosted by series creator, Nick Groff, who theorises and investigates the origin of some of the most notorious hauntings in America, redefining our understanding of the paranormal.

    Ferron said: “GRB Media Ranch is thrilled start the year with deals for the iconic Untold Stories of the E.R. which is ripe for a Format version which we are diligently exploring. We are also pleased to bring our intriguing paranormal series, Death Walker to the UK and France.”

    Benz added, “the continued demonstrated interest in the series, with the ordering of new seasons as well as extending the license of prior seasons, speaks well to the program’s broad-based and long-lasting appeal.”

  • GRB Media Ranch closes licensing deal with Foxtel Group

    GRB Media Ranch closes licensing deal with Foxtel Group

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch co-principals, Gary R. Benz and Sophie Ferron announced that they closed a licensing deal for one of its top selling true-crime series, On the Case with Foxtel Group in Australia. The deal was brokered by GRB Media Ranch APAC sales rep Torquil Macneal.

    Foxtel Group acquired Season 11 of On the Case which has aired all 10 previous seasons since 2012. The long-standing series has been distributed into 185 territories. Season 11 is set to air in the first quarter of 2024.

    On the Case explores intriguing real-life murder mysteries through in-depth interviews with those closest to the case and examines the forensic evidence that helped unravel the mystery. First-person accounts from witnesses and suspects reveal the raw emotions left behind from personal tragedies and the motives of the perpetrators. (Produced for Discovery Networks.)

    CEO Gary R. Benz stated: “GRB Media Ranch is thrilled to bring another season of our top investigative series On the Case to Foxtel who have taken multiple seasons, receiving great audience feedback. On the Case has proven extremely successful around the world, being licensed into so many territories, and this latest season has even more exciting cases to present.”

    Foxtel Group GM factual Jim Buchan said, “Foxtel Group viewers have been enthralled by several seasons of On the Case and we are pleased to bring yet another fantastic season to them. The series keeps getting better and the fans are craving more of this premium series.”