ITV

Tag: MGM Television

  • Natpe Budapest readies for in-person event in June

    Natpe Budapest readies for in-person event in June

    Mumbai: The National Association of Television Programme Executives (Natpe), a global business association for content producers, distributors, streamers and buyers across all platforms has announced Natpe International’s return to an in-person event in Budapest. This year’s spotlight is on Turkish content. The event will take place between 27 and 30 June.

    The marketplace is expected to have around 300 buyers, including 37 broadcasters from the CEE, and more than 60 exhibitors from the US, UK, Latin America, Central Europe and more. Confirmed exhibitors include MGM Television, NBCUniversal,  Warner Bros Discovery,  Paramount Global, Columbia Pictures, A+E Networks, MADD, Kanal D International, Calinos, Global Agency, ATV, ZDF, Inter Medya, and Globo to name a few.

    “As Natpe returns to in-person events, I am thrilled that Natpe Budapest International roars back in-person bringing fresh new content from around the world as we welcome back many distributors from around the globe and the strongest presence ever from CEE buyers. We are proud to host the Ukrainian Pavilion on the exhibition floor,” said Natpe president and CEO JP Bommel.

    This year, there will also be a Ukrainian Pavilion, featuring five Ukrainian broadcasters: Film.UA Group, 1+1 media, Ukraine TV Channels, StarLight Media, UA Suspilne (public broadcaster), and Ukrainian Content Global Cooperation.

    “These dramatic times have unveiled to us the real meaning of the words like partnership, friendship, and support. We understand that the future of the Ukrainian content industry is firmly tied with the European market. Natpe is the next important step for the companies that come under the umbrella of Ukrainian Content Global Cooperation initiative (Film.UA Group, 1+1 media, Starlight Media, Ukraine TV Channels, Suspilne Media) for strengthening existing and finding new business opportunities. And there is some really big news that we’re going to announce in Budapest,” said MRM CEO Kateryna Udut, the organiser of the initiative.

  • Endemol Shine Studios names Sharon Hall as president

    Endemol Shine Studios names Sharon Hall as president

    MUMBAI: Former Alcon Television Group president and Sony Pictures TV exec Sharon Hall has been named as president of Endemol Shine Studios.

     

    At Alcon Television, she launched the studio’s TV division in 2012 and prior to that headed drama development at Sony Pictures TV, where she developed series such as Masters of Sex, Breaking Bad, Justified and Damages.

     

    Endemol Shine Studios, the scripted division of Endemol Shine North America, is behind such series as AMC’s Hell on Wheels, DirecTV’s Kingdom and the upcoming Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here. Endemol Shine Studios currently has 19 series in development across 12 networks, including the U.S. adaptation of UK thriller Utopia at HBO.

     

    “Sharon has helped conceive and develop many of the top dramas of the last decade and brings a great deal of experience and deep relationships with writers, producers and actors alike. We’re thrilled that she’s joining the Endemol Shine team and to have her working closely with our colleagues here and across the globe to develop the next wave of scripted hits,” said Endemol Shine North America co-CEOs and Endemol Shine Americas co-chairmen Charlie Corwin and Cris Abrego.

     

    Hall added, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Endemol Shine, which is uniquely positioned globally as a leader in scripted programming. The company’s resources, especially the access to top talent and award-winning production companies, offer incredible opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with Charlie, Cris and our well-regarded team to keep the current momentum going.”

     

    Hall has also had stints with MTM Television, BBDO Worldwide, 

  • Endemol Shine Studios names Sharon Hall as president

    Endemol Shine Studios names Sharon Hall as president

    MUMBAI: Former Alcon Television Group president and Sony Pictures TV exec Sharon Hall has been named as president of Endemol Shine Studios.

     

    At Alcon Television, she launched the studio’s TV division in 2012 and prior to that headed drama development at Sony Pictures TV, where she developed series such as Masters of Sex, Breaking Bad, Justified and Damages.

     

    Endemol Shine Studios, the scripted division of Endemol Shine North America, is behind such series as AMC’s Hell on Wheels, DirecTV’s Kingdom and the upcoming Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here. Endemol Shine Studios currently has 19 series in development across 12 networks, including the U.S. adaptation of UK thriller Utopia at HBO.

     

    “Sharon has helped conceive and develop many of the top dramas of the last decade and brings a great deal of experience and deep relationships with writers, producers and actors alike. We’re thrilled that she’s joining the Endemol Shine team and to have her working closely with our colleagues here and across the globe to develop the next wave of scripted hits,” said Endemol Shine North America co-CEOs and Endemol Shine Americas co-chairmen Charlie Corwin and Cris Abrego.

     

    Hall added, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Endemol Shine, which is uniquely positioned globally as a leader in scripted programming. The company’s resources, especially the access to top talent and award-winning production companies, offer incredible opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with Charlie, Cris and our well-regarded team to keep the current momentum going.”

     

    Hall has also had stints with MTM Television, BBDO Worldwide, 

  • MGM buys out Mark Burnett, names him as president of TV & Digital

    MGM buys out Mark Burnett, names him as president of TV & Digital

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (MGM) is acquiring full control of United Artists Media Group (UAMG), in which reality TV producer Mark Burnett owned a 23 per cent interest with his wife Roma Downey.

     

    Additionally, Burnett has been named president of MGM Television and Digital Group.

     

    Burnett, who signed a five-year contract, will report directly to MGM CEO Gary Barber. Burnett’s new appointment will occur simultaneously with the closing of MGM’s acquisition of the remaining 45 per cent of Hearst’s, Burnett’s and Downey’s interests in UAMG, which will be absorbed under the MGM Television Group umbrella.

     

    “Mark Burnett is one of the most successful producers in television and a highly sought-after executive in content creation. His leadership is the next step in our never-ending quest to expand and grow our television and digital businesses,” said Barber. “Combining all of our TV content efforts under the purview of this unparalleled chief is incredibly exciting. Additionally, we believe this synergistic transaction will be very accretive to MGM.”

     

    Burnett and Downey will exchange their 23 per cent interest in UAMG for 1,337,360 shares of MGM stock valued at $90 per share. Hearst will receive $113.5 million in cash for their 22 per cent interest. This transaction will enable the complete integration of UAMG’s and MGM’s television businesses and the consolidation of their operations. The transaction is expected to close at the beginning of 2016 and was valued based upon the original deal parameters established when MGM acquired the initial 55 per cent of UAMG in 2014, less distributions.  The planned OTT channel will remain a separate entity controlled by its investors, Downey, Burnett, Hearst and MGM.

     

    “Joining MGM under the incredible leadership of Gary Barber is an exciting new chapter of my television career,” said Burnett. “Demand for quality content is stronger than ever and the opportunities to grow our pipeline and develop projects from the wealth of Intellectual Property in the MGM and United Artists libraries are enormous. There is no better time to be creating premium content for distribution across multiple platforms. “

     

    Downey added, “We have entered into an era where faith-based and family programming is experiencing a creative renaissance. I am so excited and grateful to head up the team at LightWorkers Media under MGM. This is an enthusiastic marketplace that inspires us every day to create and curate new, thoughtful and dynamic content for all screens in the distribution landscape.”

     

    In 2016, MGM Television will now have numerous unscripted and scripted television shows airing on network and cable or in production including: The Voice (NBC); Survivor (CBS); Shark Tank (ABC); Beyond the Tank (ABC); Celebrity Apprentice (NBC);Fargo (FX); Vikings (History); Teen Wolf (MTV);  500 Questions (ABC); The People’s Choice Awards (CBS); Lucha Underground (El Rey Network) and America’s Greatest Makers (INTEL/Turner).

     

    As part of the new structure, Downey will serve as president of LightWorkers Media, which will be the faith and family division of MGM Television, and will report to Burnett.  Downey will also serve as the chief content officer for the planned OTT channel. 

     

    Additionally, Chris Ottinger has been promoted to president of worldwide television distribution & acquisitions for MGM, reporting directly to Barber. MGM president of television development & production Steve Stark will continue to oversee all scripted content and will report directly to Burnett in an expanded role.

     

    MGM president of domestic television distribution John Bryan will continue in his role overseeing domestic distribution. Roma Khanna has stepped down from her position as head of television and digital. “Roma has done a terrific job at MGM. We are thankful for her efforts in helping grow MGM and wish her much success in her future endeavours,” said Barber.