The trend of streamers bundling together to increase value and engagement continues.
The Great Bundling Craze is continuing to sweep across the streaming landscape. The biggest streamers in the marketplace like Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, and others have all joined new bundles in 2024, and now smaller streamers are getting in on the trend. As part of its quarterly earnings report on Thursday, Lionsgate Entertainment announced that it was adding its direct-to-consumer service Starz to a new streaming bundle with BritBox, which should make its way to customers by the end of 2024.
Key Details: Lionsgate executives said the new bundle would be available to customers sometime next quarter. The bundle will be sold directly through starz.com There was no official word on how much the combo will end up costing. Save 70% $9.99+ / month starz.com
Limited Time: Get Starz for only $3 per month!
The new combination of Starz and BritBox will be available sometime “next quarter.
The Great Bundling Craze is continuing to sweep across the streaming landscape. The biggest streamers in the marketplace like Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, and others have all joined new bundles in 2024, and now smaller streamers are getting in on the trend. As part of its quarterly earnings report on Thursday, Lionsgate Entertainment announced that it was adding its direct-to-consumer service Starz to a new streaming bundle with BritBox, which should make its way to customers by the end of 2024.
Key Details: Lionsgate executives said the new bundle would be available to customers sometime next quarter. The bundle will be sold directly through starz.com There was no official word on how much the combo will end up costing. Save 70% $9.99+ / month starz.com
Limited Time: Get Starz for only $3 per month!
The new combination of Starz and BritBox will be available sometime “next quarter.
- 8/9/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Starz and BBC Studios’ BritBox will come together on a new bundle next quarter as streamers big and small continue to pair up, said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.
Starz’ strong core demos “make it a bundling partner of choice,” he added on a call after the company reported earnings for the June quarter. The combination will see the respective apps bundled directly through Starz.com.
“By leveraging its advanced tech stack, Starz is enabling the creation of a compelling and complimentary offering that pairs Starz hits like Outlander and The Serpent Queen with BritBox’s unmatched collection of original series such as Vera Shetland and Blue Lights alongside iconic library classics like Downton Abbey and Killing Eve.”
Starz is set to assume a higher profile as Lionsgate splits in two with execs confirming a year-end 2024 timeline. Lionsgate Studios, which merged with a Spac, has been a separately publicly traded company since April.
Starz’ strong core demos “make it a bundling partner of choice,” he added on a call after the company reported earnings for the June quarter. The combination will see the respective apps bundled directly through Starz.com.
“By leveraging its advanced tech stack, Starz is enabling the creation of a compelling and complimentary offering that pairs Starz hits like Outlander and The Serpent Queen with BritBox’s unmatched collection of original series such as Vera Shetland and Blue Lights alongside iconic library classics like Downton Abbey and Killing Eve.”
Starz is set to assume a higher profile as Lionsgate splits in two with execs confirming a year-end 2024 timeline. Lionsgate Studios, which merged with a Spac, has been a separately publicly traded company since April.
- 8/8/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
A new survey found that viewing of British TV shows in the United States grew by a shocking 40% between Q2 of 2023 and Q1 of 2024 on select platforms.
The United Kingdom may be an ocean away from the United States, but video content moves back and forth between the two with ease. An exclusive report from Deadline shows that audiences in the U.S. have registered a new level of interest in British television after strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in 2023 put a halt to new productions stateside for months. I’ll get into how much viewership for British content rose during the strikes, and which streamers offer the best British TV at the best value below.
Key Details: British series accounted for three of the top five most-watched programs between January and May 2024. Streamers like Netflix and Prime Video have boosted their commissioning of shows outside the United States.
The United Kingdom may be an ocean away from the United States, but video content moves back and forth between the two with ease. An exclusive report from Deadline shows that audiences in the U.S. have registered a new level of interest in British television after strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in 2023 put a halt to new productions stateside for months. I’ll get into how much viewership for British content rose during the strikes, and which streamers offer the best British TV at the best value below.
Key Details: British series accounted for three of the top five most-watched programs between January and May 2024. Streamers like Netflix and Prime Video have boosted their commissioning of shows outside the United States.
- 8/5/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Sky and Peacock have revealed a thrilling first-look teaser for the upcoming Original 10-part series of ‘The Day of the Jackal.’
Alongside the teaser, a set of first-look images featuring Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch and Úrsula Corberó, gives audiences a glimpse at the highly anticipated modern reimagining.
The adaptation is based on the seminal novel by Frederick Forsyth and the subsequent award-winning 1973 film from Universal Pictures. It follows an unrivalled and highly elusive lone assassin, the Jackal, (Eddie Redmayne) makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. But following his latest kill, he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch) who starts to track down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake.
Starring Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist) as Nuria, someone at the heart of The Jackal’s personal life, unaware of who he truly is.
Wider cast...
Alongside the teaser, a set of first-look images featuring Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch and Úrsula Corberó, gives audiences a glimpse at the highly anticipated modern reimagining.
The adaptation is based on the seminal novel by Frederick Forsyth and the subsequent award-winning 1973 film from Universal Pictures. It follows an unrivalled and highly elusive lone assassin, the Jackal, (Eddie Redmayne) makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. But following his latest kill, he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch) who starts to track down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake.
Starring Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist) as Nuria, someone at the heart of The Jackal’s personal life, unaware of who he truly is.
Wider cast...
- 7/29/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Netflix’s House of Guinness has brewed its cast.
James Norton and Jack Gleeson have been named among the cast for Steven Knight-penned Guinness factory drama series.
Joining them are Niamh McCormack, Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air, Manhunt), Louis Partridge (Pistol, Enola Holmes), Emily Fairn (The Responder, Black Mirror: Demon 79), Fionn O’Shea (Normal People, Dance First), Seamus O’Hara (Blue Lights, An Irish Goodbye), Dervla Kirwan (True Detective: Night Country, Smother), Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones, The Long Shadow), Danielle Galligan (Shadow and Bone, Obituary), David Wilmot (Station Eleven, Bodkin) and Hilda Fay (The Woman in the Wall, Spilt Milk).
The series, from Banijay UK’s Kudos, is billed as an epic story inspired by The Guinness family, a European dynasty made famous by the drink they brew.
James Norton and Jack Gleeson have been named among the cast for Steven Knight-penned Guinness factory drama series.
Joining them are Niamh McCormack, Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air, Manhunt), Louis Partridge (Pistol, Enola Holmes), Emily Fairn (The Responder, Black Mirror: Demon 79), Fionn O’Shea (Normal People, Dance First), Seamus O’Hara (Blue Lights, An Irish Goodbye), Dervla Kirwan (True Detective: Night Country, Smother), Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones, The Long Shadow), Danielle Galligan (Shadow and Bone, Obituary), David Wilmot (Station Eleven, Bodkin) and Hilda Fay (The Woman in the Wall, Spilt Milk).
The series, from Banijay UK’s Kudos, is billed as an epic story inspired by The Guinness family, a European dynasty made famous by the drink they brew.
- 7/25/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BritBox International is operating “autonomously” and free of “creative pressure” from the BBC, according to its president, who branded the streamer “the best route to market for British TV outside of the UK.”
Robert Schildhouse was speaking to Deadline for the first time since being promoted to President of BritBox North America and General Manager of BritBox International after the landmark £255M ($329M) deal that saw BBC Studios acquire ITV’s shareholding in what was previously a Jv streamer, which was followed by the exit of his predecessor Reemah Sakaan. The deal was one of convenience, fulfilling the BBC’s desire to grow internationally while ITV sought to pump investment into new domestic streamer Itvx.
Schildhouse said BritBox, which is available in North America, Australia and Scandinavia with a library featuring Gavin & Stacey, The Sixth Commandment and a hefty Agatha Christie back catalog, has “not changed materially,” while BBC...
Robert Schildhouse was speaking to Deadline for the first time since being promoted to President of BritBox North America and General Manager of BritBox International after the landmark £255M ($329M) deal that saw BBC Studios acquire ITV’s shareholding in what was previously a Jv streamer, which was followed by the exit of his predecessor Reemah Sakaan. The deal was one of convenience, fulfilling the BBC’s desire to grow internationally while ITV sought to pump investment into new domestic streamer Itvx.
Schildhouse said BritBox, which is available in North America, Australia and Scandinavia with a library featuring Gavin & Stacey, The Sixth Commandment and a hefty Agatha Christie back catalog, has “not changed materially,” while BBC...
- 7/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bridgerton” star Florence Hunt, Jim Sturgess and Australia’s Teresa Palmer have joined the cast of “Mix Tape,” a music-themed drama series. The Australian-Irish co-production shot in Sydney in May and is now underway in Dublin.
The series is adapted by Irish writer Jo Spain from the popular and critically-acclaimed novel of the same title by Jane Sanderson. It is directed by Australia’s Lucy Gaffy.
“’Mix Tape’ will take viewers back in time to that intoxicating feeling of first love [and be] a classic all-encompassing romance set to a banging nostalgic soundtrack,” said producers.
The series is produced by Subotica and Aquarius Films, with Boat Rocker overseeing international distribution. In Australia, it will play on Binge, a streaming service operated by local market pay-tv leader Foxtel.
Palmer will portray Alison and the U.K.’s Sturgess (“Cloud Atlas”) plays Daniel, two friends now living on opposite sides of the planet, who...
The series is adapted by Irish writer Jo Spain from the popular and critically-acclaimed novel of the same title by Jane Sanderson. It is directed by Australia’s Lucy Gaffy.
“’Mix Tape’ will take viewers back in time to that intoxicating feeling of first love [and be] a classic all-encompassing romance set to a banging nostalgic soundtrack,” said producers.
The series is produced by Subotica and Aquarius Films, with Boat Rocker overseeing international distribution. In Australia, it will play on Binge, a streaming service operated by local market pay-tv leader Foxtel.
Palmer will portray Alison and the U.K.’s Sturgess (“Cloud Atlas”) plays Daniel, two friends now living on opposite sides of the planet, who...
- 6/25/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
A favorite police drama, Blue Lights, is available to watch on Britbox, and season 2 just dropped!
If you enjoyed Blue Lights season 1 on Britbox, you can now catch more episodes on the service. About the series, co-creator Adam Patterson says, “We felt like a cop show was a really interesting and a brilliant vehicle to look at any aspect of society. You can literally go anywhere! So if you want to tell a story about a place, but more importantly about really interesting characters, the cops are a brilliant Trojan horse to go into any aspect of the city. So that’s why it really works for us.”
Watch now on Britbox
The Nacelle Company has revived several IPs for their new toy collections, and founder Brian Volk-Weiss shares how he was able to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
Fresh off the success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Will Smith...
If you enjoyed Blue Lights season 1 on Britbox, you can now catch more episodes on the service. About the series, co-creator Adam Patterson says, “We felt like a cop show was a really interesting and a brilliant vehicle to look at any aspect of society. You can literally go anywhere! So if you want to tell a story about a place, but more importantly about really interesting characters, the cops are a brilliant Trojan horse to go into any aspect of the city. So that’s why it really works for us.”
Watch now on Britbox
The Nacelle Company has revived several IPs for their new toy collections, and founder Brian Volk-Weiss shares how he was able to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
Fresh off the success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Will Smith...
- 6/21/2024
- by Michael Ahr
- Den of Geek
If P.E. was your favourite subject at school, then oh boy, are you in for a treat. We’ve reached the time of year when British television suddenly gets very P.E. There’s running and jumping, football and tennis, the Olympic Games… Competitions and tournaments abound, and all televised as an interruption to your usual programming.
For non-sports fans, of course, that means a TV drought approaches. Or, to see it as more glass-half-full, it’s an opportunity to catch up on stuff you missed from earlier in the year. Below is a list of picks of the best British TV series from the first half of 2024. The US TV list is coming, and the movies one is here. Feel free to add your own recommendations below!
Baby Reindeer
Stream on: Netflix
If you haven’t watched Baby Reindeer, then you’ve almost certainly heard its name. In publicity Netflix couldn’t buy,...
For non-sports fans, of course, that means a TV drought approaches. Or, to see it as more glass-half-full, it’s an opportunity to catch up on stuff you missed from earlier in the year. Below is a list of picks of the best British TV series from the first half of 2024. The US TV list is coming, and the movies one is here. Feel free to add your own recommendations below!
Baby Reindeer
Stream on: Netflix
If you haven’t watched Baby Reindeer, then you’ve almost certainly heard its name. In publicity Netflix couldn’t buy,...
- 6/12/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Public service broadcasting is in a “red alert situation” in “many many markets” around the world, according to the most powerful man in British broadcasting.
BBC Director General Tim Davie urged the audience at the Deloitte and Enders Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference to “look around the world and see what’s happening to PSBs.”
“It’s scary,” he added. “It’s really problematic. We are not merely troublesome we are in a red alert situation in many many markets and as politics gets more polarized we have to decide what we do about institutions.”
Davie said the BBC, on the other hand, is “not a market failure provider” and stressed partnerships with major global players such as Warner Bros. Discovery in sports as a factor.
But this doesn’t stop the BBC from making “uneconomic” decisions, he stressed, in order to preserve its place as a public broadcaster.
“Sometimes...
BBC Director General Tim Davie urged the audience at the Deloitte and Enders Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference to “look around the world and see what’s happening to PSBs.”
“It’s scary,” he added. “It’s really problematic. We are not merely troublesome we are in a red alert situation in many many markets and as politics gets more polarized we have to decide what we do about institutions.”
Davie said the BBC, on the other hand, is “not a market failure provider” and stressed partnerships with major global players such as Warner Bros. Discovery in sports as a factor.
But this doesn’t stop the BBC from making “uneconomic” decisions, he stressed, in order to preserve its place as a public broadcaster.
“Sometimes...
- 6/4/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
As we are now officially in June, BritBox has announced their slate of new programming arriving this month. From beloved, returning police dramas to new series premiering for the first time. We have the complete list and have selected three of the most exciting titles landing on the service during the month.
In the United States, BritBox has just one subscription price. American Anglophiles can sign up for the service for just $8.99 per month. Not only will they have access to all of the new titles every month, but they will also get an incredible library of iconic series like, “Sherlock,” “Luther,” “Vera,” “Father Brown,” “Death in Paradise,” and more.
7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com What are the 3 Best Shows, Movies, and Specials Coming to BritBox in June 2024? “Changing Ends” | Thursday, June 6
Chatty Man himself Alan Carr stars in the semi-autobiographical sitcom that focuses on the comedian’s upbringing...
In the United States, BritBox has just one subscription price. American Anglophiles can sign up for the service for just $8.99 per month. Not only will they have access to all of the new titles every month, but they will also get an incredible library of iconic series like, “Sherlock,” “Luther,” “Vera,” “Father Brown,” “Death in Paradise,” and more.
7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com What are the 3 Best Shows, Movies, and Specials Coming to BritBox in June 2024? “Changing Ends” | Thursday, June 6
Chatty Man himself Alan Carr stars in the semi-autobiographical sitcom that focuses on the comedian’s upbringing...
- 6/3/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
“The Diplomat” star Rory Kinnear has joined Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany in Joe Barton’s upcoming Sky limited series “Amadeus.”
Based on the story of famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sharpe stars as the virtuoso while Bettany plays his fierce rival, Italian composer Antonio Salieri.
Kinnear, who is also known for his turns in “Skyfall” and “Men” has been cast as Emperor Joseph.
Joining them are Lucy Cohu (“Becoming Jane”) as Cecilia Weber, Jonathan Aris (“The Sixth Commandment”) as Leopold Mozart, Ényì Okoronkwo (“Renegade Nell”) as Da Ponte, Jessica Alexander (“The Little Mermaid”) as Katerina and Hugh Sachs (“Bridgerton”) as Von Strack.
Paul Bazely (“Such Brave Girls”), Rupert Vansittart (“Game of Thrones”), Anastasia Martin (“In From The Cold”), Nancy Farino (“Masters of the Air”), Olivia-Mai Barrett (“Invasion”), Viola Prettejohn (“The Crown”) and Jyuddah Jaymes (“Hijack”) round out the cast.
“Set within the musical hub of bustling Vienna at the end of the 18th century,...
Based on the story of famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sharpe stars as the virtuoso while Bettany plays his fierce rival, Italian composer Antonio Salieri.
Kinnear, who is also known for his turns in “Skyfall” and “Men” has been cast as Emperor Joseph.
Joining them are Lucy Cohu (“Becoming Jane”) as Cecilia Weber, Jonathan Aris (“The Sixth Commandment”) as Leopold Mozart, Ényì Okoronkwo (“Renegade Nell”) as Da Ponte, Jessica Alexander (“The Little Mermaid”) as Katerina and Hugh Sachs (“Bridgerton”) as Von Strack.
Paul Bazely (“Such Brave Girls”), Rupert Vansittart (“Game of Thrones”), Anastasia Martin (“In From The Cold”), Nancy Farino (“Masters of the Air”), Olivia-Mai Barrett (“Invasion”), Viola Prettejohn (“The Crown”) and Jyuddah Jaymes (“Hijack”) round out the cast.
“Set within the musical hub of bustling Vienna at the end of the 18th century,...
- 5/30/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Today, BritBox, the premiere streaming destination for British television offering the biggest and best collection of unmissable British television, announced a dynamic slate of upcoming Original series.
Sharing a suspenseful teaser, BritBox announced that the thrilling new mystery Passenger, led by Wunmi Mosaku (Loki), will premiere in October. In the captivating screenwriting debut of actor Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch), inexplicable crimes haunt the fictional village of Chadder Vale, where perhaps more is afoot than meets the eye.
Barry Sloane (Revenge), David Threlfall (Shameless), and Rowan Robinson (A Haunting in Venice) also star in the atmospheric crime drama.
Summer will see the powerful return of gritty, impactful crime dramas, starting with the June 13 return of Blue Lights. A breakout hit in the UK, the Belfast-based series delves into complex local politics through the lens of a police drama.
Multi-bafta-nominated The Responder returns July 11 for a new season, once again led by Martin Freeman...
Sharing a suspenseful teaser, BritBox announced that the thrilling new mystery Passenger, led by Wunmi Mosaku (Loki), will premiere in October. In the captivating screenwriting debut of actor Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch), inexplicable crimes haunt the fictional village of Chadder Vale, where perhaps more is afoot than meets the eye.
Barry Sloane (Revenge), David Threlfall (Shameless), and Rowan Robinson (A Haunting in Venice) also star in the atmospheric crime drama.
Summer will see the powerful return of gritty, impactful crime dramas, starting with the June 13 return of Blue Lights. A breakout hit in the UK, the Belfast-based series delves into complex local politics through the lens of a police drama.
Multi-bafta-nominated The Responder returns July 11 for a new season, once again led by Martin Freeman...
- 5/21/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Warning: spoilers for Blue Lights series 2.
The message in the Blue Lights series two finale could hardly seem clearer. After six episodes of being assaulted, petrol bombed and shot at on their turbulent Belfast patch, police officers Grace and Stevie finally give in to their feelings and drive off into the night while Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” perkily assures us that “Everything’s gonna be alright/It’s gonna be okay.”
Phew. Thank heavens! If there’s one thing Siân Brooke’s Grace and Martin McCann’s Stevie deserve in Blue Lights, it’s for everything to be alright and okay. He’s a widower who nursed his beloved wife through cancer; she’s a former social worker and single parent whose only son has moved away, and they both do a job so stressful it’s a wonder that they don’t spontaneously burst...
The message in the Blue Lights series two finale could hardly seem clearer. After six episodes of being assaulted, petrol bombed and shot at on their turbulent Belfast patch, police officers Grace and Stevie finally give in to their feelings and drive off into the night while Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” perkily assures us that “Everything’s gonna be alright/It’s gonna be okay.”
Phew. Thank heavens! If there’s one thing Siân Brooke’s Grace and Martin McCann’s Stevie deserve in Blue Lights, it’s for everything to be alright and okay. He’s a widower who nursed his beloved wife through cancer; she’s a former social worker and single parent whose only son has moved away, and they both do a job so stressful it’s a wonder that they don’t spontaneously burst...
- 5/20/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
The cast and crew of Belfast-set police drama Blue Lights had less than a month of filming left on their second series in 2023 when they found out that their show had been renewed for a third and a fourth run.
“We were three or four weeks off the end of shooting season two when we got the news,” actor Siân Brooke tells Den of Geek. “I was so pleasantly surprised because it doesn’t really happen very much in this day and age, to have somebody support you and nail their colours to the mast the way that they have, it means a lot that they’re behind us.”
Blue Lights follows the progress of Brooke’s character Grace, with Annie (Katherine Devlin) and Tommy (Nathan Braniff), three new recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Grace is a former social worker, Annie’s a young local and Tommy...
“We were three or four weeks off the end of shooting season two when we got the news,” actor Siân Brooke tells Den of Geek. “I was so pleasantly surprised because it doesn’t really happen very much in this day and age, to have somebody support you and nail their colours to the mast the way that they have, it means a lot that they’re behind us.”
Blue Lights follows the progress of Brooke’s character Grace, with Annie (Katherine Devlin) and Tommy (Nathan Braniff), three new recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Grace is a former social worker, Annie’s a young local and Tommy...
- 5/20/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
UK sales company Wildstar Sales has inked deals on its slate including for romantic comedy F.L.Y..
Rafael Albarran and Trent Kendrick’s film has sold to Breaking Glass Pictures for North America, with the company planning a theatrical release.
F.L.Y. played at US festivals including Outshine Miami and Outfest Film Festival, and plays India’s Kashish Pride Film Festival this month.
Wildstar has sold three films to France’s Optimale - Lucas Santa Ana’s drama Blue Lights, Matias de Leis Correa’s romance Since The Last Time We Met and Marco Berger’s new film The Astronaut Lovers, with...
Rafael Albarran and Trent Kendrick’s film has sold to Breaking Glass Pictures for North America, with the company planning a theatrical release.
F.L.Y. played at US festivals including Outshine Miami and Outfest Film Festival, and plays India’s Kashish Pride Film Festival this month.
Wildstar has sold three films to France’s Optimale - Lucas Santa Ana’s drama Blue Lights, Matias de Leis Correa’s romance Since The Last Time We Met and Marco Berger’s new film The Astronaut Lovers, with...
- 5/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
‘If you didn’t laugh, you’d cry’ isn’t just the correct British response to any exasperating situation, it must also be Tony Schumacher’s screenwriting mantra. His crime drama The Responder would be unwatchably bleak if it wasn’t also so bloody funny.
Series one put response officer Chris Carson (Martin Freeman) through the wringer so thoroughly that it was a wonder he survived. His childhood pal Carl, a small-time drug dealer who’d been paying him for police intel, didn’t, and in a characteristically heroic/risky attempt to help Carl’s widow, Chris gave her the rucksack of stolen cocaine that had kicked off all this mess. Now it’s six months later and guess what? Chris’ problems are far from over.
Series two of The Responder is just as buzzing with life and wry observation as the first. Chris’ night-time police patrols offer up a...
Series one put response officer Chris Carson (Martin Freeman) through the wringer so thoroughly that it was a wonder he survived. His childhood pal Carl, a small-time drug dealer who’d been paying him for police intel, didn’t, and in a characteristically heroic/risky attempt to help Carl’s widow, Chris gave her the rucksack of stolen cocaine that had kicked off all this mess. Now it’s six months later and guess what? Chris’ problems are far from over.
Series two of The Responder is just as buzzing with life and wry observation as the first. Chris’ night-time police patrols offer up a...
- 5/5/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Gilles Bannier, the director of the first seasons of hit series Blue Lights and Trigger Point is opening up a new drama indie, Alef UK. The London-based label will be a subsidiary of Alef One, Nora Melhli’s Paris-based prodco that counts Flight MH370 and doc Carlos Ghosn The Last Flight among its credits.
French born writer-director Bannier has been based in England for a decade and will be Creative Director of the new UK drama business. His directing credits include iconic dramas Spiral and Les Beaux Mecs as well as The Tunnel, which is where he first collaborated with Melhli, who was a producer on the Kudos drama. The duo also worked together on Tim Roth-starrer Tin Star.
Melhli worked at Endemol and Altice before teaming with Jacques Arthur Essebag to create Alef One in 2018. She told Deadline that working with Bannier during Covid – and the problem-solving...
French born writer-director Bannier has been based in England for a decade and will be Creative Director of the new UK drama business. His directing credits include iconic dramas Spiral and Les Beaux Mecs as well as The Tunnel, which is where he first collaborated with Melhli, who was a producer on the Kudos drama. The duo also worked together on Tim Roth-starrer Tin Star.
Melhli worked at Endemol and Altice before teaming with Jacques Arthur Essebag to create Alef One in 2018. She told Deadline that working with Bannier during Covid – and the problem-solving...
- 4/30/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
When it comes to crime or police dramas, there’s no doubt that Brits know how to create one. As the fans of the genre say all the time, there’s no way that any of the British series within the police premise will be rated less than a solid 8.
However, it seems that with this series the level of production just went a little higher. The cop drama we are talking about is called Blue Lights. The show premiered last year and since then it seems that the audience became obsessed with it.
What Is Blue Lights About?
The show focuses on the police force in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is a perfect portrayal of how difficult it is to handle the job in the area. It's especially hard for rookies, the main characters of the series. There are three of them: Grace Ellis, Annie Conlon and Tommy Foster.
However, it seems that with this series the level of production just went a little higher. The cop drama we are talking about is called Blue Lights. The show premiered last year and since then it seems that the audience became obsessed with it.
What Is Blue Lights About?
The show focuses on the police force in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is a perfect portrayal of how difficult it is to handle the job in the area. It's especially hard for rookies, the main characters of the series. There are three of them: Grace Ellis, Annie Conlon and Tommy Foster.
- 4/26/2024
- by [email protected] (Rachel Bailey)
- STartefacts.com
Cillian Murphy obtained one of acting’s most coveted achievements when he won an Oscar for his leading role in “Oppenheimer.” But his award season run for the acclaimed Christopher Nolan film didn’t end with his big night at the Dolby Theater. The Irish actor went on to receive his home country’s highest acting honor on Sunday at the Irish Film and TV Academy Awards when he won the Lead Actor — Film category for “Oppenheimer.”
The ceremony honored the best Irish film and television of 2023, with Pat Collins’ “That They May Face the Rising Sun” winning Best Film. Other notable winners included Paul Mescal taking Supporting Actor for “All of Us Strangers” and Alison Oliver winning Supporting Actress for “Saltburn.”
Keep reading for a complete list of winners from the 2024 Irish Film and TV Academy Awards.
Best Film
“Double Blind”
“Flora and Son”
“Lies We Tell”
“Lola”
“That They May Face the Rising Sun...
The ceremony honored the best Irish film and television of 2023, with Pat Collins’ “That They May Face the Rising Sun” winning Best Film. Other notable winners included Paul Mescal taking Supporting Actor for “All of Us Strangers” and Alison Oliver winning Supporting Actress for “Saltburn.”
Keep reading for a complete list of winners from the 2024 Irish Film and TV Academy Awards.
Best Film
“Double Blind”
“Flora and Son”
“Lies We Tell”
“Lola”
“That They May Face the Rising Sun...
- 4/20/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Cillian Murphy, Kin season two and Paul Mescal were among the winners of the Irish Film & Television Awards 2024, which were handed out during a ceremony in Dublin on Saturday.
Lies We Tell, about an orphaned teenage heiress in 19th-century Ireland who is forced to embrace the dark legacy of her family, led the nominations for the movie portion of the awards with 13 and went home with three. It was followed by That They May Face the Rising Sun, which took home the best film prize, and Double Blind, with 11 each. Rising Sun is an adaptation of John McGahern’s novel about passion, war and migration, while Double Blind is a horror film about an experimental drug trial that goes wrong.
Among the lead acting nominees were such big names as Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Andrew Scott, Pierce Brosnan, Saoirse Ronan, Eve Hewson and Jessie Buckley. Murphy took home the best actor...
Lies We Tell, about an orphaned teenage heiress in 19th-century Ireland who is forced to embrace the dark legacy of her family, led the nominations for the movie portion of the awards with 13 and went home with three. It was followed by That They May Face the Rising Sun, which took home the best film prize, and Double Blind, with 11 each. Rising Sun is an adaptation of John McGahern’s novel about passion, war and migration, while Double Blind is a horror film about an experimental drug trial that goes wrong.
Among the lead acting nominees were such big names as Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Andrew Scott, Pierce Brosnan, Saoirse Ronan, Eve Hewson and Jessie Buckley. Murphy took home the best actor...
- 4/20/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cillian Murphy capped off his domination of awards season by claiming the top acting prize for film on home soil.
The Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG award winner on Saturday night added perhaps a final statue to his flawless haul of honors for Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” when he was named best lead actor at the 21st Irish Film and TV Academy Awards.
“God, I’m still so brutal at this,” the famously shy actor said on collecting the award, presented to him by “Killers of the Flower Moon” star and fellow recent awards circuit regular Lily Gladstone. “But being in this room is so special — being at home, with people that I love and admire amongst my fellow nominees and some of my favorite people.” Speaking backstage afterwards at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, he added: “It feels lovely being home with so many friends and colleagues.”
Gladstone,...
The Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG award winner on Saturday night added perhaps a final statue to his flawless haul of honors for Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” when he was named best lead actor at the 21st Irish Film and TV Academy Awards.
“God, I’m still so brutal at this,” the famously shy actor said on collecting the award, presented to him by “Killers of the Flower Moon” star and fellow recent awards circuit regular Lily Gladstone. “But being in this room is so special — being at home, with people that I love and admire amongst my fellow nominees and some of my favorite people.” Speaking backstage afterwards at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, he added: “It feels lovely being home with so many friends and colleagues.”
Gladstone,...
- 4/20/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
When Blue Lights debuted on BBC One last year, it was favourably compared with Line of Duty. The comparison made sense. Both dramas deal with drug-dealing organised crime gangs, and touch on the under-funded reality of PR and stats-led UK policing. Both love an armed response unit and a cliffhanger. They’re both filmed in Belfast (though only Blue Lights is set there) and take place in fictional police sections where the dialogue gets a bit ‘sit rep on the double o-b’ spilled-Scrabble-tiles at times.
There is though, a major difference between the two – and it’s not just Blue Lights being about frontline response policing (uniforms in patrol cars) and Line of Duty being about anti-corruption detectives (suits in undercover vehicles). It’s to do with warmth.
To listen to commissioners, warmth is what audiences are currently craving. It’s what put Richard Osman on the bestseller lists for his Thursday Murder Club books,...
There is though, a major difference between the two – and it’s not just Blue Lights being about frontline response policing (uniforms in patrol cars) and Line of Duty being about anti-corruption detectives (suits in undercover vehicles). It’s to do with warmth.
To listen to commissioners, warmth is what audiences are currently craving. It’s what put Richard Osman on the bestseller lists for his Thursday Murder Club books,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Whether due to spoiler phobia, poor impulse control, or an unquenchable need to know what treat Stevie will be serving next out of his magic lunchbox, some Blue Lights fans have already binge-watched all six episodes of series two. To those people we say, breathe out. More is coming.
Two months before series two arrived on BBC One and iPlayer, the corporation confirmed that it had ordered two further series of Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson’s Belfast-set police drama. Like the first two, series three and four will each have the regulation six-episodes, and if all goes to plan, we might reasonably expect them to air respectively in spring 2025 and spring 2026.
Series one arrived to acclaim last March and quickly bagsied itself high-ranking spots on ‘The Best TV of 2023’ round-ups come the end of the year. It’s the story of three rookie recruits to the Police Service of...
Two months before series two arrived on BBC One and iPlayer, the corporation confirmed that it had ordered two further series of Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson’s Belfast-set police drama. Like the first two, series three and four will each have the regulation six-episodes, and if all goes to plan, we might reasonably expect them to air respectively in spring 2025 and spring 2026.
Series one arrived to acclaim last March and quickly bagsied itself high-ranking spots on ‘The Best TV of 2023’ round-ups come the end of the year. It’s the story of three rookie recruits to the Police Service of...
- 4/16/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Siân Brooke is back on U.K. screens this week as Grace Ellis in the BBC’s Belfast, Northern Ireland-based police drama Blue Lights season 2.
Blue Lights, about three probationary police officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland struggling with the general pressures of the job and crime and tensions in Belfast, has become a hit show for the BBC, which has already ordered seasons 3 and 4. One of the new officers is Brooke’s Grace, a single mother in her 40s who left her job as a social worker to join the police but must soon wonder if she’s made the right decision.
Season 2 debuted on BBC One on Monday night London time, airing weekly, with all episodes now already available on streaming service BBC iPlayer. The show is also available internationally on streamer BritBox International. The season 2 trailer (see below) highlights tensions and new challenges for the police officers.
Blue Lights, about three probationary police officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland struggling with the general pressures of the job and crime and tensions in Belfast, has become a hit show for the BBC, which has already ordered seasons 3 and 4. One of the new officers is Brooke’s Grace, a single mother in her 40s who left her job as a social worker to join the police but must soon wonder if she’s made the right decision.
Season 2 debuted on BBC One on Monday night London time, airing weekly, with all episodes now already available on streaming service BBC iPlayer. The show is also available internationally on streamer BritBox International. The season 2 trailer (see below) highlights tensions and new challenges for the police officers.
- 4/16/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Walton Goggins and Lesley Sharp join us on this week’s show. Not together, of course, because the former is with us to chat Ghoul life in Prime Video’s Fallout and the latter is here in her capacity as head of MI5 in ITV’s Red-Eye.
And speaking of Red-Eye, we review that show, which sees Richard Armitage on the flight from hell, as well as Glaswegian BBC comedy Dinosaur and the return of Belfast police drama Blue Lights, also on the Beeb. Plus we record our first proper podcast in the new studio, run through our (somewhat belated) 100 Greatest TV shows list, and dispense with a listener question in record time.
Listen to the episode on your podcast app of choice or the player above. And if you want to subscribe to Pilot TV+, find all the details here.
And speaking of Red-Eye, we review that show, which sees Richard Armitage on the flight from hell, as well as Glaswegian BBC comedy Dinosaur and the return of Belfast police drama Blue Lights, also on the Beeb. Plus we record our first proper podcast in the new studio, run through our (somewhat belated) 100 Greatest TV shows list, and dispense with a listener question in record time.
Listen to the episode on your podcast app of choice or the player above. And if you want to subscribe to Pilot TV+, find all the details here.
- 4/15/2024
- by James Dyer
- Empire - Movies
Stormy Daniels Doc Finds Global Distribution
Blue Ant Studios (Canada’s Drag Race) has taken worldwide distribution on Stormy, an in-depth documentary about the life of Stormy Daniels coming on the day of Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Daniels made headlines in 2018 when The Wall Street Journal reported that, just before the 2016 U.S. presidential election, she was paid $130,000 to stop her disclosing an affair she and Trump allegedly had in July 2006. Trump’s trial takes place from today in New York. Peacock’s Stormy is produced by Emmy-nominated Erin Lee Carr and producer/director Sarah Gibson (Orgasm Inc: The Story of One Taste), who were also behind the Britney vs. Spears explosive doc. “Our team is thrilled to have international rights for this sought-after documentary produced by two renowned filmmakers who specialize in portraying the stories of women...
Blue Ant Studios (Canada’s Drag Race) has taken worldwide distribution on Stormy, an in-depth documentary about the life of Stormy Daniels coming on the day of Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Daniels made headlines in 2018 when The Wall Street Journal reported that, just before the 2016 U.S. presidential election, she was paid $130,000 to stop her disclosing an affair she and Trump allegedly had in July 2006. Trump’s trial takes place from today in New York. Peacock’s Stormy is produced by Emmy-nominated Erin Lee Carr and producer/director Sarah Gibson (Orgasm Inc: The Story of One Taste), who were also behind the Britney vs. Spears explosive doc. “Our team is thrilled to have international rights for this sought-after documentary produced by two renowned filmmakers who specialize in portraying the stories of women...
- 4/15/2024
- by Hannah Abraham
- Deadline Film + TV
Warning: contains spoilers for the Blue Lights series one finale.
When Blue Lights arrived in 2023, it felt like counter-programming to the news headlines. Real life was filled with reports of police corruption, brutality and deadly crimes committed under cover of the uniform, and here was this drama, offering an alternative.
Grace, Tommy and Annie were that alternative. New recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, they weren’t in uniform to abuse power or take greasy backhanders, they were there to help, and they had the courage of their convictions.
That isn’t to say their courage and convictions weren’t sorely tested by the reality of the job. As they discovered, policing a community riven by historical conflict is tough enough without MI5 doing deals with local kingpins that keep the drugs and crime flowing. Not to mention anonymous death threats and the violent loss of beloved colleagues.
When Blue Lights arrived in 2023, it felt like counter-programming to the news headlines. Real life was filled with reports of police corruption, brutality and deadly crimes committed under cover of the uniform, and here was this drama, offering an alternative.
Grace, Tommy and Annie were that alternative. New recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, they weren’t in uniform to abuse power or take greasy backhanders, they were there to help, and they had the courage of their convictions.
That isn’t to say their courage and convictions weren’t sorely tested by the reality of the job. As they discovered, policing a community riven by historical conflict is tough enough without MI5 doing deals with local kingpins that keep the drugs and crime flowing. Not to mention anonymous death threats and the violent loss of beloved colleagues.
- 4/15/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
“Blue Lights” returns with an electrifying Season 2 premiere titled “This Too Shall Pass,” airing on BBC One. In this highly anticipated episode, viewers are thrust back into the heart-pounding world of the police force as the team grapples with a relentless drug-fuelled crime wave. With a year under their belts, tensions run high as the officers face escalating challenges that push them to their limits.
The action intensifies as the team finds themselves navigating the dangerous streets of a loyalist estate, where violence lurks around every corner. As they race against the clock to maintain order and safety, Stevie and Grace find their working relationship put to the ultimate test in a violent clash that threatens to unravel everything they’ve worked for.
Tune in at 9:00 Pm on Monday, April 15, 2024, to join in the adrenaline-fueled excitement of “Blue Lights” Season 2 Episode 1. Don’t miss out on the gripping drama,...
The action intensifies as the team finds themselves navigating the dangerous streets of a loyalist estate, where violence lurks around every corner. As they race against the clock to maintain order and safety, Stevie and Grace find their working relationship put to the ultimate test in a violent clash that threatens to unravel everything they’ve worked for.
Tune in at 9:00 Pm on Monday, April 15, 2024, to join in the adrenaline-fueled excitement of “Blue Lights” Season 2 Episode 1. Don’t miss out on the gripping drama,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
The BBC has released the trailer for series two of the hit Belfast-based police drama ‘Blue Lights.’
Co-created and written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson and produced by Two Cities Television, Blue Lights is an authentic, gripping and darkly funny drama about ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.
Series one, which aired in March last year, followed three new Psni probationary recruits as they navigated their way through their first few months in a uniquely complex place to be a response police officer. It was recently commissioned for two more series.
Reprising their roles in the forthcoming second series are Siân Brooke (Grace Ellis), Martin McCann (Stevie Neil), Katherine Devlin (Annie Conlon), Nathan Braniff (Tommy Foster), Joanne Crawford (Helen McNally), Andi Osho (Sandra Cliff), and Hannah McClean (Jen Robinson).
Also set to return are Paddy Jenkins (Happy Kelly), Desmond Eastwood (Murray Canning), Jonathan Harden (Jonty) and Andrea Irvine (Nicola Robinson...
Co-created and written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson and produced by Two Cities Television, Blue Lights is an authentic, gripping and darkly funny drama about ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.
Series one, which aired in March last year, followed three new Psni probationary recruits as they navigated their way through their first few months in a uniquely complex place to be a response police officer. It was recently commissioned for two more series.
Reprising their roles in the forthcoming second series are Siân Brooke (Grace Ellis), Martin McCann (Stevie Neil), Katherine Devlin (Annie Conlon), Nathan Braniff (Tommy Foster), Joanne Crawford (Helen McNally), Andi Osho (Sandra Cliff), and Hannah McClean (Jen Robinson).
Also set to return are Paddy Jenkins (Happy Kelly), Desmond Eastwood (Murray Canning), Jonathan Harden (Jonty) and Andrea Irvine (Nicola Robinson...
- 3/29/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The BBC’s financial deficit is projected to reach nearly £500M next year as the corporation delivers what it has described as a “transformational budget.”
Unveiling its Annual Plan this afternoon, which sets priorities for the coming year, the BBC forecast a deficit of £492M ($620M) for 2024/25, a sharp rise of 40% from this year.
Explaining the hefty jump, the BBC said its plan to grow BBC Studios “drives higher income” and “requires significant investment in 24/25, contributing to the group operating deficit,” while pointing out that this year will also include big expenditure on sporting events such as the summer Olympics and European football championships.
“Our financial plan includes a transformative approach to savings to enable delivery of our strategic ambitions,” it went on. “This will require a number of difficult decisions over the course of the year including one-off transformational costs. Ultimately savings will help to deliver reinvestment in our...
Unveiling its Annual Plan this afternoon, which sets priorities for the coming year, the BBC forecast a deficit of £492M ($620M) for 2024/25, a sharp rise of 40% from this year.
Explaining the hefty jump, the BBC said its plan to grow BBC Studios “drives higher income” and “requires significant investment in 24/25, contributing to the group operating deficit,” while pointing out that this year will also include big expenditure on sporting events such as the summer Olympics and European football championships.
“Our financial plan includes a transformative approach to savings to enable delivery of our strategic ambitions,” it went on. “This will require a number of difficult decisions over the course of the year including one-off transformational costs. Ultimately savings will help to deliver reinvestment in our...
- 3/28/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC will look to further cost cuts, growth initiatives and transformation to help it fund its operations and public duties amid financial and sector challenges and return it to a financial surplus after a deficit that will balloon in the new fiscal year, the U.K. public broadcaster said in its annual plan and annual report Thursday.
Led by Director General Tim Davie, the broadcaster in its annual report outlined priorities for the new fiscal year 2024/2025 starting in April. “Our financial plan includes a transformative approach to savings to enable delivery of our strategic ambitions,” it said. “This will require a number of difficult decisions over the course of the year, including one-off transformational costs. Ultimately savings will help to deliver reinvestment in our audience offering and set the BBC up to succeed as audience consumption patterns change.”
For the fiscal year, the license fee for U.K. taxpayers...
Led by Director General Tim Davie, the broadcaster in its annual report outlined priorities for the new fiscal year 2024/2025 starting in April. “Our financial plan includes a transformative approach to savings to enable delivery of our strategic ambitions,” it said. “This will require a number of difficult decisions over the course of the year, including one-off transformational costs. Ultimately savings will help to deliver reinvestment in our audience offering and set the BBC up to succeed as audience consumption patterns change.”
For the fiscal year, the license fee for U.K. taxpayers...
- 3/28/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cricket Rights
Sony Pictures Networks India (Spni) has acquired TV and digital rights to all New Zealand-based men’s and women’s cricket matches into India and associated territories for the next seven years. The deal is valid from May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2031, encompassing India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as all other bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the period. All matches will be broadcast across Spni’s sports channels and streamed on SonyLIV. Spni’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with Prime Video for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. While a value for the deal was not disclosed, industry sources estimate it at $100 million.
Spni MD and CEO N.P. Singh said: “New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional sportsmanship and strength; it’s one of the most respected cricket teams globally. It is our...
Sony Pictures Networks India (Spni) has acquired TV and digital rights to all New Zealand-based men’s and women’s cricket matches into India and associated territories for the next seven years. The deal is valid from May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2031, encompassing India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as all other bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the period. All matches will be broadcast across Spni’s sports channels and streamed on SonyLIV. Spni’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with Prime Video for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. While a value for the deal was not disclosed, industry sources estimate it at $100 million.
Spni MD and CEO N.P. Singh said: “New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional sportsmanship and strength; it’s one of the most respected cricket teams globally. It is our...
- 3/27/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Back in 1967, The Beatles told us, “All You Need Is Love.” Back in 2004, writer Hiroshi Sakurazaka brought the world a novel called All You Need Is Kill, which served as the basis for the 2014 Tom Cruise sci-fi adventure Edge of Tomorrow… and I could understand why the title was changed for the movie, as All You Need Is Kill never sounded quite right to me. A better version would be All You Need Is Death – and that’s the title the makers of an upcoming folk horror movie have decided to use for their film, which is set to receive a VOD and limited theatrical release on April 11th. With that release date just a couple weeks away, a trailer for All You Need Is Death has arrived online, and you can check it out in the embed above.
The narrative feature debut from Dublin-based writer/director Paul Duane, the...
The narrative feature debut from Dublin-based writer/director Paul Duane, the...
- 3/26/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Underscoring the growing ties between France and Taiwan in the film and television sector, French and Taiwanese producers CinéFrance, Alef One and Yoosonn Entertainment have presented two new series co-productions at Series Mania.
“Fly,” co-produced by Paris-based CinéFrance and Taipei’s Yoosonn Entertainment, is a spy drama series adapted from Taiwanese author Chang Kuo-Li’s original IP that is set to shoot in France and Taiwan.
Paris production company Alef One is likewise headed to Taiwan with “Flight MH370,” based on the true events of the Malaysian Airline flight disappearance. Gilles Bannier, known for the recent, acclaimed BBC series “Blue Lights,” is set to direct the series, which is supported by the state-backed Taiwan Creative Content Agency (Taicca). Alef One is currently in discussions with potential Taiwanese co-production partners.
Taicca and France’s national film center, the Cnc, last year signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at furthering cooperation in...
“Fly,” co-produced by Paris-based CinéFrance and Taipei’s Yoosonn Entertainment, is a spy drama series adapted from Taiwanese author Chang Kuo-Li’s original IP that is set to shoot in France and Taiwan.
Paris production company Alef One is likewise headed to Taiwan with “Flight MH370,” based on the true events of the Malaysian Airline flight disappearance. Gilles Bannier, known for the recent, acclaimed BBC series “Blue Lights,” is set to direct the series, which is supported by the state-backed Taiwan Creative Content Agency (Taicca). Alef One is currently in discussions with potential Taiwanese co-production partners.
Taicca and France’s national film center, the Cnc, last year signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at furthering cooperation in...
- 3/21/2024
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Fresh from his Academy Award win for best actor, “Oppenheimer” star Cillian Murphy now has a chance to claim the same honor at his local awards.
The Irish Film and TV Academy (IFTA) has unveiled the nominees for its 2024 awards, with Murphy going up against “Saltburn’s'” Barry Keoghan and “All of Us Strangers” star Andrew Scott in the best actor category. Elsewhere, Jessie Buckley (“Fingernails”) and Saoirse Ronan (“Foe”) are among those nominated for best actress, while Paul Mescal (“All of Us Strangers”) and Kenneth Branagh (“Oppenheimer”) are in the running for best supporting actor.
But it was actually Irish features leading the pack of nominees, with Lisa Mulcahy’s “Lies We Tell” landing 13, followed by “That They May Face the Rising Sun” and “Double Blind.”
The IFTAs ceremony will be take place on April 20 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre with Irish TV personality Baz Ashmawy on hosting duties.
The Irish Film and TV Academy (IFTA) has unveiled the nominees for its 2024 awards, with Murphy going up against “Saltburn’s'” Barry Keoghan and “All of Us Strangers” star Andrew Scott in the best actor category. Elsewhere, Jessie Buckley (“Fingernails”) and Saoirse Ronan (“Foe”) are among those nominated for best actress, while Paul Mescal (“All of Us Strangers”) and Kenneth Branagh (“Oppenheimer”) are in the running for best supporting actor.
But it was actually Irish features leading the pack of nominees, with Lisa Mulcahy’s “Lies We Tell” landing 13, followed by “That They May Face the Rising Sun” and “Double Blind.”
The IFTAs ceremony will be take place on April 20 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre with Irish TV personality Baz Ashmawy on hosting duties.
- 3/14/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Stv boss Simon Pitts is exiting the business after six years.
Pitts has led the Scottish broadcaster-producer since 2018, during what has been a tricky period beset by the Covid-19 pandemic and ad recession. He has, nonetheless, delivered growth and seen a boost in production arm Stv Studios, which is now making big budget shows such as Apple TV+’s Criminal Record.
He will take up a new role in a year’s time and remain with the Scottish outfit until then while the board appoints a successor.
“Simon has been an outstanding leader of Stv over the past six years,” said Chairman Paul Reynolds. “As the architect of our diversification strategy, he has successfully led the transformation of Stv from a linear broadcaster into a resilient content creation and digital streaming business with an exciting future.”
Pitts added: “With Stv’s latest diversification targets fully achieved, now is the right...
Pitts has led the Scottish broadcaster-producer since 2018, during what has been a tricky period beset by the Covid-19 pandemic and ad recession. He has, nonetheless, delivered growth and seen a boost in production arm Stv Studios, which is now making big budget shows such as Apple TV+’s Criminal Record.
He will take up a new role in a year’s time and remain with the Scottish outfit until then while the board appoints a successor.
“Simon has been an outstanding leader of Stv over the past six years,” said Chairman Paul Reynolds. “As the architect of our diversification strategy, he has successfully led the transformation of Stv from a linear broadcaster into a resilient content creation and digital streaming business with an exciting future.”
Pitts added: “With Stv’s latest diversification targets fully achieved, now is the right...
- 3/5/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Aimee Lou Wood Comedy ‘Daddy Issues’ Rounds Out Cast
Aimee Lou Wood BBC comedy Daddy Issues has rounded out cast and unveiled first-look image. Joining the Sex Education star and David Morrissey are David Fynn (Am I Being Unreasonable?), Sharon Rooney (Barbie), Sarah Hadland (Miranda), Taj Atwal (Hullraisers), Arian Nik (Count Abdulla), Tom Stourton (Stath Lets Flats), Susan Lynch (Sex Education), Susannah Fielding (This Time with Alan Partridge), Lauren O’Rourke (Henpocalypse), Cyril Nri (Death in Paradise), Cora Kirk (Grantchester), Perry Fitzgerald (Line of Duty), Claire Keelan (The Trip), Damien Molony (Brassic), Sherrie Hewson (Benidorm), Humphrey Ker (Welcome to Wrexham) and David Reed (Ghosts). Daddy Issues follows a hedonistic woman in her mid-20s, played by Wood, who discovers she’s pregnant after a random hook-up and has no choice but to turn to her hapless father Malcolm for support. The show will air on BBC Three, producer is Fudge Park and distributor is Fremantle.
Aimee Lou Wood BBC comedy Daddy Issues has rounded out cast and unveiled first-look image. Joining the Sex Education star and David Morrissey are David Fynn (Am I Being Unreasonable?), Sharon Rooney (Barbie), Sarah Hadland (Miranda), Taj Atwal (Hullraisers), Arian Nik (Count Abdulla), Tom Stourton (Stath Lets Flats), Susan Lynch (Sex Education), Susannah Fielding (This Time with Alan Partridge), Lauren O’Rourke (Henpocalypse), Cyril Nri (Death in Paradise), Cora Kirk (Grantchester), Perry Fitzgerald (Line of Duty), Claire Keelan (The Trip), Damien Molony (Brassic), Sherrie Hewson (Benidorm), Humphrey Ker (Welcome to Wrexham) and David Reed (Ghosts). Daddy Issues follows a hedonistic woman in her mid-20s, played by Wood, who discovers she’s pregnant after a random hook-up and has no choice but to turn to her hapless father Malcolm for support. The show will air on BBC Three, producer is Fudge Park and distributor is Fremantle.
- 2/26/2024
- by Sara Merican, Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Money Heist” star Úrsula Corberó is set to join Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch in Sky and Peacock’s reimagining of “The Day of the Jackal,” Variety has learned.
In the series, which will drop later this year, “Cabaret” actor Redmayne will play elusive assassin The Jackal while “No Time to Die” star Lynch takes on the role of tenacious MI6 agent Bianca, who goes on a relentless global pursuit to catch him.
Corberó joins as Nuria, a woman who is familiar with The Jackal in his personal life but has no idea of who he truly is.
Joining her are Charles Dance (”Game of Thrones”) as Timothy Winthrop, Richard Dormer (“Blue Lights”) as Norman and Chukwudi Iwuji (“Guardians of the Galaxy 3”) as Osita Halcrow.
Lia Williams (“The Crown”) as Isabel Kirby rounds out the cast alongside Khalid Abdalla (“The Kite Runner”) as Ulle Dag Charles, Eleanor Matsuura (“The Walking Dead”) as Zina Jansone,...
In the series, which will drop later this year, “Cabaret” actor Redmayne will play elusive assassin The Jackal while “No Time to Die” star Lynch takes on the role of tenacious MI6 agent Bianca, who goes on a relentless global pursuit to catch him.
Corberó joins as Nuria, a woman who is familiar with The Jackal in his personal life but has no idea of who he truly is.
Joining her are Charles Dance (”Game of Thrones”) as Timothy Winthrop, Richard Dormer (“Blue Lights”) as Norman and Chukwudi Iwuji (“Guardians of the Galaxy 3”) as Osita Halcrow.
Lia Williams (“The Crown”) as Isabel Kirby rounds out the cast alongside Khalid Abdalla (“The Kite Runner”) as Ulle Dag Charles, Eleanor Matsuura (“The Walking Dead”) as Zina Jansone,...
- 2/23/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here steering you away from Berlin and towards London for the Screenings. Please do read on, and sign up here.
London Calling (Once Again)
Heading to the capital: As Insider goes to press, execs, sellers and buyers are descending on the English capital in their droves for what will undoubtedly be the biggest London TV Screenings so far. Around 30 distributor events are planned across the week, mostly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and all within a square mile of Soho — giving the Screenings an old-fashioned feel that harks back to halcyon days. Founder members All3Media International, Fremantle, ITV Studios and Banijay are hosting the biggest events, while BBC Studios Showcase is hitting London for the second year in a row, with the BBC now working in tandem with its distribution rivals.
London Calling (Once Again)
Heading to the capital: As Insider goes to press, execs, sellers and buyers are descending on the English capital in their droves for what will undoubtedly be the biggest London TV Screenings so far. Around 30 distributor events are planned across the week, mostly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and all within a square mile of Soho — giving the Screenings an old-fashioned feel that harks back to halcyon days. Founder members All3Media International, Fremantle, ITV Studios and Banijay are hosting the biggest events, while BBC Studios Showcase is hitting London for the second year in a row, with the BBC now working in tandem with its distribution rivals.
- 2/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC has ordered a wide variety of new dramas and among them, a TV adaptation of the National Theatre’s Dear England.
Featured image credit: Marc Brennar
The BBC unveiled its 12 upcoming drama commissions yesterday (21st February), as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Among those is a commission from one of the most prolific – and trendy – studios of our time, A24.
BBC has asked A24 to adapt Kaliane Bradley’s highly anticipated debut novel The Ministry Of Time into a six-part series for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Alice Birch will be in charge of the adaptation and A24 will distribute the series internationally.
The Ministry Of Time will follow Commander Graham Gore who’s swept from his 1845 reality to the present in a time travel experiment. He’s then stuck in a flat share with a woman and has to quickly learn his way around the contemporary world.
Also...
Featured image credit: Marc Brennar
The BBC unveiled its 12 upcoming drama commissions yesterday (21st February), as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Among those is a commission from one of the most prolific – and trendy – studios of our time, A24.
BBC has asked A24 to adapt Kaliane Bradley’s highly anticipated debut novel The Ministry Of Time into a six-part series for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Alice Birch will be in charge of the adaptation and A24 will distribute the series internationally.
The Ministry Of Time will follow Commander Graham Gore who’s swept from his 1845 reality to the present in a time travel experiment. He’s then stuck in a flat share with a woman and has to quickly learn his way around the contemporary world.
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- 2/22/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
The BBC has unveiled its biggest drama slate in years featuring a TV version of James Graham play Dear England starring Joseph Fiennes from The Crown producer Left Bank, Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood’s debut writing project and a Rebecca Hall-starrer from Poor Things maker Element.
Unveiled at a glitz London do for press and producers, the 12-strong roster, which features some of Britain’s best and brightest talents, is the first from new Drama Director Lindsay Salt, who took over from A24’s Piers Wenger 18 months ago.
Scroll down for the full slate below, which features an adaptation of Sherwood creator Graham’s Dear England about the England soccer manager Gareth Southgate – the play of which has taken London by storm and recently transferred to the West End. Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) will reprise his role as Southgate and Graham will pen the TV version, which...
Unveiled at a glitz London do for press and producers, the 12-strong roster, which features some of Britain’s best and brightest talents, is the first from new Drama Director Lindsay Salt, who took over from A24’s Piers Wenger 18 months ago.
Scroll down for the full slate below, which features an adaptation of Sherwood creator Graham’s Dear England about the England soccer manager Gareth Southgate – the play of which has taken London by storm and recently transferred to the West End. Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) will reprise his role as Southgate and Graham will pen the TV version, which...
- 2/21/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC have unveiled a new slate of star-studded dramas including the TV adaptation of James Graham’s football play “Dear England” starring Joseph Fiennes, a new co-pro with “Euphoria” producer A24 and the screenwriting debut from “Sex Education” star Aimee Lou Wood.
Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt revealed the 12-strong slate – which adds up to 66 hours of top TV – at a press event in London, U.K. on Wednesday evening. It includes two more series of Belfast-based police drama “Blue Lights.”
“Inflation, content and platform saturation, streamer retrenchment, the writers’ strike… It’s all fed a serious slowdown,” Salt said as she unveiled the diverse slate. “Five years ago, everyone was willing to make brave choices, to experiment, to try something a little unorthodox. I worry that risk-taking is becoming a dirty word… And that, in less than a decade, the industry might be moving from ‘peak TV...
Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt revealed the 12-strong slate – which adds up to 66 hours of top TV – at a press event in London, U.K. on Wednesday evening. It includes two more series of Belfast-based police drama “Blue Lights.”
“Inflation, content and platform saturation, streamer retrenchment, the writers’ strike… It’s all fed a serious slowdown,” Salt said as she unveiled the diverse slate. “Five years ago, everyone was willing to make brave choices, to experiment, to try something a little unorthodox. I worry that risk-taking is becoming a dirty word… And that, in less than a decade, the industry might be moving from ‘peak TV...
- 2/21/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
ITV Spent $68M On Diverse Shows In 2023
ITV invested £54.2M ($68M) of its Diversity Commissioning Fund last year on shows made by or about people from under-represented backgrounds such as Lenny Henry’s Three Little Birds. The fund was launched in 2022 with £80M to be spent across three years to “drive change towards racial equity and disability equity in whose stories get told,” with one quarter reserved for content made by “production companies led by People of Colour and/or Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people.” The figures came as part of the Love Island network’s Diversity Acceleration Plan report for the previous 12 months, which said 475 productions across around 160 production companies have embedded Dei using ITV’s production principles over the past three years. The BBC has a similar £100M fund across a three-year period to March 2024 and says it has already exceeded this target. ITV said plans for...
ITV invested £54.2M ($68M) of its Diversity Commissioning Fund last year on shows made by or about people from under-represented backgrounds such as Lenny Henry’s Three Little Birds. The fund was launched in 2022 with £80M to be spent across three years to “drive change towards racial equity and disability equity in whose stories get told,” with one quarter reserved for content made by “production companies led by People of Colour and/or Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people.” The figures came as part of the Love Island network’s Diversity Acceleration Plan report for the previous 12 months, which said 475 productions across around 160 production companies have embedded Dei using ITV’s production principles over the past three years. The BBC has a similar £100M fund across a three-year period to March 2024 and says it has already exceeded this target. ITV said plans for...
- 1/31/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Happy Valley and Endeavour may have ended for good last year, but there’s no shortage of top British TV crime drama coming to fill the gap they left behind. From complex true crime to cosy village-set murder mysteries and bonkers grisly thrillers, fans of British TV crime drama will eat well in 2024.
A few picks from the 30+ series below to get on your radar: spy thriller Black Doves, from the creator of The Lazarus Project and Giri/Haji, starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, is coming to Netflix this year. Being Human creator Toby Whithouse has a new folk horror crime mystery staring Anjli Mohindra that’s on its way to Alibi. Stephen Butchard, the writer behind The Last Kingdom’s TV adaptation, is going back to the history books for a new Tudor-set murder mystery in Shardlake. And Andrew Scott will be taking on the title role in Netflix’s Ripley,...
A few picks from the 30+ series below to get on your radar: spy thriller Black Doves, from the creator of The Lazarus Project and Giri/Haji, starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, is coming to Netflix this year. Being Human creator Toby Whithouse has a new folk horror crime mystery staring Anjli Mohindra that’s on its way to Alibi. Stephen Butchard, the writer behind The Last Kingdom’s TV adaptation, is going back to the history books for a new Tudor-set murder mystery in Shardlake. And Andrew Scott will be taking on the title role in Netflix’s Ripley,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
This episodes one and two review contains plot details but is largely spoiler-free.
In eight-part crime thriller Criminal Record, Peter Capaldi’s Dci accuses Cush Jumbo’s DS of unconscious bias. Has she – a woman of colour – automatically believed a tip-off about a West African-British prisoner’s wrongful conviction because she’s primed to see racist conspiracy everywhere? Or is Jumbo’s character simply seeing racist conspiracy because she’s looking right at it?
That mystery is at the centre of this new drama from the makers of ITV’s Vera. Two episodes of writer Paul Rutman’s series are out now on Apple TV+, with the rest to follow weekly on Wednesdays until February 21. Has Jumbo’s DS Lenker stumbled on a corrupt ring of racist cops led by Capaldi’s Dci Dan Hegarty, or is she putting two and two together to make five?
Your take on the ‘Is Hegarty a baddie?...
In eight-part crime thriller Criminal Record, Peter Capaldi’s Dci accuses Cush Jumbo’s DS of unconscious bias. Has she – a woman of colour – automatically believed a tip-off about a West African-British prisoner’s wrongful conviction because she’s primed to see racist conspiracy everywhere? Or is Jumbo’s character simply seeing racist conspiracy because she’s looking right at it?
That mystery is at the centre of this new drama from the makers of ITV’s Vera. Two episodes of writer Paul Rutman’s series are out now on Apple TV+, with the rest to follow weekly on Wednesdays until February 21. Has Jumbo’s DS Lenker stumbled on a corrupt ring of racist cops led by Capaldi’s Dci Dan Hegarty, or is she putting two and two together to make five?
Your take on the ‘Is Hegarty a baddie?...
- 1/10/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
2024 really is the year of the Difficult Second Series: after wowing us in 2023 and even earlier, shows like The Tourist, Extraordinary, The Rig, Suspect and Bad Sisters are on the way back for another helping this year, but the question is: will they live up to series one?
In among this, a trio of behemoth shows coming back: Doctor Who will return for series 14, or season one as it’s being styled, the first with Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, Wolf Hall is returning after nine years to cover the late Hilary Mantel’s final book in the trilogy, The Mirror and The Light, and dystopian anthology series Black Mirror will return to Netflix for its seventh series. There’s even talk of a prequel series to Red Dwarf, if that comes off.
This is our round-up of the British TV shows we’re most excited to see returning for new...
In among this, a trio of behemoth shows coming back: Doctor Who will return for series 14, or season one as it’s being styled, the first with Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, Wolf Hall is returning after nine years to cover the late Hilary Mantel’s final book in the trilogy, The Mirror and The Light, and dystopian anthology series Black Mirror will return to Netflix for its seventh series. There’s even talk of a prequel series to Red Dwarf, if that comes off.
This is our round-up of the British TV shows we’re most excited to see returning for new...
- 1/4/2024
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
In any given year, British TV can be relied on to provide plenty in the way of crime drama, and 2023 was no different. Between these returning series and newcomers A Town Called Malice, Blue Lights, Marlow, Payback, Rebus, Steeltown Murders, The Gold, The Sixth Commandment, Wolf and more, crime continued to flourish on the small screen.
Happily though, that was far from all that UK TV offered this year. There was fantasy too, in the form of Netflix’s South London super-powers drama Supacell, ghost detective series Lockwood & Co., Greek and Roman mythology series Kaos, and sci-fi in Prime Video’s The Rig.
Add to all those the romances, dramas inspired by real-life, and several other book adaptations, period and otherwise plus music-based dramas Champion and This Town, and it was a pretty full slate.
January Stonehouse
Succession‘s Matthew Macfadyen and Crossfire‘s Keeley Hawes star in this three-part ITV drama,...
Happily though, that was far from all that UK TV offered this year. There was fantasy too, in the form of Netflix’s South London super-powers drama Supacell, ghost detective series Lockwood & Co., Greek and Roman mythology series Kaos, and sci-fi in Prime Video’s The Rig.
Add to all those the romances, dramas inspired by real-life, and several other book adaptations, period and otherwise plus music-based dramas Champion and This Town, and it was a pretty full slate.
January Stonehouse
Succession‘s Matthew Macfadyen and Crossfire‘s Keeley Hawes star in this three-part ITV drama,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Tubi Hires Endeavor Exec For International Expansion
U.S. AVoD firm Tubi has hired David Salmon to become its Executive VP and Managing Director for International. The UK-based exec will report into Tubi CEO Anjali Sud. He’ll work on building out the business around the world, looking to capitalize on advertiser-funded growth in the streaming world. Salmon has spent more than a decade at Endeavor, where he was the founder and Cto of Endeavor Streaming, the agency’s video tech group. Tubi is currently available in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama, Australia and New Zealand, and will be pushing into the UK and further into Latin America under Salmon’s guidance. “Tubi has an industry-leading position in the U.S. and we’re looking to replicate that success across international markets,” he said.
BritBox Bags Drama & Nears 3.5M Subs
Best of British...
U.S. AVoD firm Tubi has hired David Salmon to become its Executive VP and Managing Director for International. The UK-based exec will report into Tubi CEO Anjali Sud. He’ll work on building out the business around the world, looking to capitalize on advertiser-funded growth in the streaming world. Salmon has spent more than a decade at Endeavor, where he was the founder and Cto of Endeavor Streaming, the agency’s video tech group. Tubi is currently available in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama, Australia and New Zealand, and will be pushing into the UK and further into Latin America under Salmon’s guidance. “Tubi has an industry-leading position in the U.S. and we’re looking to replicate that success across international markets,” he said.
BritBox Bags Drama & Nears 3.5M Subs
Best of British...
- 12/1/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
BritBox has risen to 3.4 million global users total, which is reasonably successful for a streaming platform with such niche content.
Fancy an episode of the British version of “The Office”? What about a marathon of classic “Doctor Who” episodes before watching the latest entries in the series on Disney+? BritBox is one of the top platforms for streaming British television available, and this week it announced it had grown to over 3.4 million global users.
The new BritBox subscriber total means the streamer has added 400,000 net users since February. BritBox also announced a licensing agreement to stream the BBC series “Blue Lights.” Top stories from the year for BritBox include a price increase, as well as a copyright infringement lawsuit from Dish. 7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com How Many New Users Does BritBox Have?
The subscriber update from BritBox means that the service has added 400,000 new customers since the last...
Fancy an episode of the British version of “The Office”? What about a marathon of classic “Doctor Who” episodes before watching the latest entries in the series on Disney+? BritBox is one of the top platforms for streaming British television available, and this week it announced it had grown to over 3.4 million global users.
The new BritBox subscriber total means the streamer has added 400,000 net users since February. BritBox also announced a licensing agreement to stream the BBC series “Blue Lights.” Top stories from the year for BritBox include a price increase, as well as a copyright infringement lawsuit from Dish. 7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com How Many New Users Does BritBox Have?
The subscriber update from BritBox means that the service has added 400,000 new customers since the last...
- 11/30/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
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