Banijay Rights has scored a first batch of sales on “Fallen,” a crime drama reuniting “The Bridge” showrunner Camilla Ahlgren and star Sofia Helini. The series is produced by Banijay-owned Filmlance, a leading Scandinavian outfit.
Unveiled at the Goteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision conference, deals on “Fallen” include Canal+’s channel Polar+ in France, MHz Choice in the U.S., Npo in the Netherlands, Sbs in Australia, Ert in Greece and Syn Hf in Iceland.
Created and written by Ahlgren along with Martin Asphaug and Alex Haridi, the six-part series stars Helin (“Atlantic Crossing”) and Hedda Stiernstedt. The show is co-produced by TV4, Film i Skåne and Filmlance, in collaboration with Zdf.
In “Fallen,” Helin plays Iris Broman, the new head of Kalla Fall, a group solving cold cases in Malmö. Iris has just left Stockholm following a tragedy and moved to the small southern town of Ystad,...
Unveiled at the Goteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision conference, deals on “Fallen” include Canal+’s channel Polar+ in France, MHz Choice in the U.S., Npo in the Netherlands, Sbs in Australia, Ert in Greece and Syn Hf in Iceland.
Created and written by Ahlgren along with Martin Asphaug and Alex Haridi, the six-part series stars Helin (“Atlantic Crossing”) and Hedda Stiernstedt. The show is co-produced by TV4, Film i Skåne and Filmlance, in collaboration with Zdf.
In “Fallen,” Helin plays Iris Broman, the new head of Kalla Fall, a group solving cold cases in Malmö. Iris has just left Stockholm following a tragedy and moved to the small southern town of Ystad,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: James Franco is starring in a Middle Eastern TV crime drama penned by Shades of Blue creator Adi Hasak. Check out a teaser below.
Alongside a cast of actors who hail from the Mena region, the Oscar-nominated 127 Hours star recently wrapped on Karantina, which is being shopped for the first time at Mipcom Cannes this week. Hasak told Deadline he hopes the “gamechanger” crime drama will “do for Mena what Fauda did for Israel and Squid Game did for Korea.”
Based on the German series Tempel, Franco plays an American laying low from the FBI in Beirut who has opened a club called the Miami Rainbow Club, a “taste of Americana,” according to Hasak.
The show’s lead is Yaqoub Al Farhan as Dahab, who is released from jail and promises his paraplegic wife and teenage daughter that he will never return to a world of crime, instead...
Alongside a cast of actors who hail from the Mena region, the Oscar-nominated 127 Hours star recently wrapped on Karantina, which is being shopped for the first time at Mipcom Cannes this week. Hasak told Deadline he hopes the “gamechanger” crime drama will “do for Mena what Fauda did for Israel and Squid Game did for Korea.”
Based on the German series Tempel, Franco plays an American laying low from the FBI in Beirut who has opened a club called the Miami Rainbow Club, a “taste of Americana,” according to Hasak.
The show’s lead is Yaqoub Al Farhan as Dahab, who is released from jail and promises his paraplegic wife and teenage daughter that he will never return to a world of crime, instead...
- 10/16/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Actress Sara Zommorodi’s short film urging Sweden’s government to support women’s rights protests in Iran — which includes 43 of the country’s celebrities, directors and authors — screened at the Swedish Guldbagge Awards, the country’s highest film honors, in Stockholm Monday evening.
Titled Women Life Freedom – In Solidarity With the Brave Women of Iran, the film features some of Swedens most notable female actors, directors, authors and recording artists speaking the words “zan, zendegi, azadi,” Farsi for “women, life, freedom,” the slogan of the anti-government protests that have rocked Iran over the past several months.
Zommorodi came to Sweden from Iran when she was two and is a familiar face on Swedish film and TV, best known for roles in the Netflix drama Caliphate and the Swedish animated program Lika Men Olika.
“It’s really been amazing and so touching,” Zommorodi said about the Guldbagge screening. “I’m...
Titled Women Life Freedom – In Solidarity With the Brave Women of Iran, the film features some of Swedens most notable female actors, directors, authors and recording artists speaking the words “zan, zendegi, azadi,” Farsi for “women, life, freedom,” the slogan of the anti-government protests that have rocked Iran over the past several months.
Zommorodi came to Sweden from Iran when she was two and is a familiar face on Swedish film and TV, best known for roles in the Netflix drama Caliphate and the Swedish animated program Lika Men Olika.
“It’s really been amazing and so touching,” Zommorodi said about the Guldbagge screening. “I’m...
- 1/24/2023
- by Ural Garrett
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Breakout talents from festival favorites Saint Omer and Tori and Lokita, new faces from Netflix hits The Playlist and Babylon Berlin, and discoveries from arthouse features from across Europe are among the top 10 talents picked to be the 2023 European Shooting Stars.
The annual list of up-and-coming actors from across Europe — which has proved a reliable talent spotter over the years — was unveiled Wednesday by European Film Promotion, which organizes the selection.
The eight women and two men picked by the Shooting Star jury will attend the Berlin International Film Festival in February, where they will be introduced to the international industry, and meet with talent agents, directors and producers.
Previous European Shooting Stars have included the likes of Michaela Coel (2018), Luca Marinelli (2013), Riz Ahmed (2012), Alica Vikander (2011), Daniel Brühl (2003), Ruth Negga (2006) and Matthias Schoenaerts (2003).
Here’s a short introduction to next year’s class:...
Breakout talents from festival favorites Saint Omer and Tori and Lokita, new faces from Netflix hits The Playlist and Babylon Berlin, and discoveries from arthouse features from across Europe are among the top 10 talents picked to be the 2023 European Shooting Stars.
The annual list of up-and-coming actors from across Europe — which has proved a reliable talent spotter over the years — was unveiled Wednesday by European Film Promotion, which organizes the selection.
The eight women and two men picked by the Shooting Star jury will attend the Berlin International Film Festival in February, where they will be introduced to the international industry, and meet with talent agents, directors and producers.
Previous European Shooting Stars have included the likes of Michaela Coel (2018), Luca Marinelli (2013), Riz Ahmed (2012), Alica Vikander (2011), Daniel Brühl (2003), Ruth Negga (2006) and Matthias Schoenaerts (2003).
Here’s a short introduction to next year’s class:...
- 12/14/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Media Res, the independent studio behind such productions as “The Morning Show” and “Scenes From A Marriage,” will expand into the international TV market by hiring veteran producer Lars Blomgren to oversee Media Res International.
The company’s new international division, to be called Media Res International. will develop premium TV series from a range of genres by combining talent and material from outside the U.S. with the company’s eye for production value and narrative expertise.
“Audiences have never been more engaged and excited to explore stories and cultures different from their own,” said Michael Ellenberg, CEO of Media Res, in a prepared statement. “Our goal in launching this new division is to collaborate with international creators, filmmakers and producers on innovative, daring and arresting series for global audiences. Lars’ exceptional taste, experience, and perspective make him the ideal person to lead our efforts as we expand in this vital space.
The company’s new international division, to be called Media Res International. will develop premium TV series from a range of genres by combining talent and material from outside the U.S. with the company’s eye for production value and narrative expertise.
“Audiences have never been more engaged and excited to explore stories and cultures different from their own,” said Michael Ellenberg, CEO of Media Res, in a prepared statement. “Our goal in launching this new division is to collaborate with international creators, filmmakers and producers on innovative, daring and arresting series for global audiences. Lars’ exceptional taste, experience, and perspective make him the ideal person to lead our efforts as we expand in this vital space.
- 12/13/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The Mediapro Studio has dropped a teaser for “The Head” Season 2, with first footage in the run-up to its simultaneous premiere on HBO Max in the U.S. and Spain on Dec. 22.
Season 2 rolls off a first season which has proved one of Spain’s biggest breakout hits, sold by the The Mediapro Studio Distribution to over 90 countries including top-echelon players HBO Max for the U.S., plus Starzplay, Canal Plus (France), and Amazon’s Prime Video.
It also played to positive critical reactions. “Watching this, I could practically feel the ice crystals forming on my beard – and I don’t even have a beard,” Suzi Feay wrote in The Financial Times.
Produced once more in association with Hulu Japan, Season 2, whose teaser-trailer has been shared in exclusivity with Variety, is described by Tms as an “action-packed suspense thriller.” Nothing in the teaser belies that billing. Season 2 retains many of...
Season 2 rolls off a first season which has proved one of Spain’s biggest breakout hits, sold by the The Mediapro Studio Distribution to over 90 countries including top-echelon players HBO Max for the U.S., plus Starzplay, Canal Plus (France), and Amazon’s Prime Video.
It also played to positive critical reactions. “Watching this, I could practically feel the ice crystals forming on my beard – and I don’t even have a beard,” Suzi Feay wrote in The Financial Times.
Produced once more in association with Hulu Japan, Season 2, whose teaser-trailer has been shared in exclusivity with Variety, is described by Tms as an “action-packed suspense thriller.” Nothing in the teaser belies that billing. Season 2 retains many of...
- 12/1/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Madrid-based The Mediapro Studio, one of Europe’s super-indies, is re-teaming with Hulu Japan to produce Season 2 of thriller “The Head,” the studio’s hit drama series whose Season 1 was broadcast in more than 90 countries.
The English-language shoot has got underway in Tenerife, in Spain’s The Canary Islands, helmed by Jorge Dorado, who directed Season 1.
“The Head” Season 2 boasts an extensive international cast led once again by John Lynch and Katharine O’Donnelly.
Joining them for Season 2, the series features Hovik Keuchkerian, Moe Dunford (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), Josefin Nelden (“The Restaurant”) and Olivia Morris (“Hotel Portofino”).
Season 2’s newest additions in leading roles take in Enrique Arce, Nora Ríos and Tania Watson, Thierry Godard and the special collaboration of Japan’s Sota Fukushi (“Bleach”).
If Season 1 was set at a remote polar research station, the principal setting for “The Head” Season 2 will once again be an isolated and inaccessible location,...
The English-language shoot has got underway in Tenerife, in Spain’s The Canary Islands, helmed by Jorge Dorado, who directed Season 1.
“The Head” Season 2 boasts an extensive international cast led once again by John Lynch and Katharine O’Donnelly.
Joining them for Season 2, the series features Hovik Keuchkerian, Moe Dunford (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), Josefin Nelden (“The Restaurant”) and Olivia Morris (“Hotel Portofino”).
Season 2’s newest additions in leading roles take in Enrique Arce, Nora Ríos and Tania Watson, Thierry Godard and the special collaboration of Japan’s Sota Fukushi (“Bleach”).
If Season 1 was set at a remote polar research station, the principal setting for “The Head” Season 2 will once again be an isolated and inaccessible location,...
- 6/21/2022
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
The Bridge screenwriter Camilla Ahlgren has created a European crime drama series about the head of a group solving cold cases in Sweden.
Production has been greenlighted on Fallen, which will star The Bridge lead actress Sofia Melin as Iris Broman, the new head of the Kalla Fall. Due to a tragedy, she moves from Stockholm to the southern town of Ystad to live with her half-sister Kattis (Hedda Stierstedt), where a cold case turns topical again and turns everything upside down, intertwining the lives of several people.
Filming on the co-production begins shortly in Malmo and Ystad ahead of a 2023 launch.
Sweden’s C More and TV4 are co-producing along with Film i Skane and Banijay-owned drama house Filmlance, in collaboration with German public broadcaster Zdf. Banijay Rights takes international distribution rights.
Ahlgren, who rose to prominence as a lead writer on Hans Rosenfeldt’s influential Scani Noir drama The Bridge,...
Production has been greenlighted on Fallen, which will star The Bridge lead actress Sofia Melin as Iris Broman, the new head of the Kalla Fall. Due to a tragedy, she moves from Stockholm to the southern town of Ystad to live with her half-sister Kattis (Hedda Stierstedt), where a cold case turns topical again and turns everything upside down, intertwining the lives of several people.
Filming on the co-production begins shortly in Malmo and Ystad ahead of a 2023 launch.
Sweden’s C More and TV4 are co-producing along with Film i Skane and Banijay-owned drama house Filmlance, in collaboration with German public broadcaster Zdf. Banijay Rights takes international distribution rights.
Ahlgren, who rose to prominence as a lead writer on Hans Rosenfeldt’s influential Scani Noir drama The Bridge,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been nearly a year since Lars Blomgren was named Banijay’s head of scripted for the company and, according to the veteran TV exec, it’s been a fruitful start. He’s no stranger to the role, having previously been head of scripted Emea at Endemol Shine Group, before Banijay seized control of that company in a mega $2.2Bn deal last year. There, he led the company’s non-English scripted production division. He’s been behind productions such as Danish hit series Bron (The Bridge), Dutch drama Penoza, religious fundamentalist story Caliphate, Norwegian mystery Beforeigners and Israeli drama Queens, the latter of which is being developed for a U.S. remake with Gal Gadot.
Blomgren, who previously headed Esg-owned Swedish producer Filmlance, is experienced in building local content that has potential to break out globally and it’s his wealth of experience and building partnerships and broadening business...
Blomgren, who previously headed Esg-owned Swedish producer Filmlance, is experienced in building local content that has potential to break out globally and it’s his wealth of experience and building partnerships and broadening business...
- 8/31/2021
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Series
Banijay Nordic company Jarowskij has unveiled “A Class Apart,” a new eight-part drama series commissioned by Viaplay, which Banijay Rights will distribute internationally. Based on an original idea from Henrik Schyffert and Gustaf Skördeman, the series unspools within a secret society at on of Sweden’s top boarding schools. After a hazing ritual goes wrong and an alumni is found dead, a student from a nearby disadvantaged public school is accused of murder. The series was written by Michaela Hamilton (“Eagles”) and Erik Eger and stars Aliette Opheim (“Caliphate”) and Valter Skarsgård (“Lords of Chaos”). Eger, Andrea Östlund (“The Restaurant”) and David Berron direct. Jarowskij, Brommamamma, Viaplay, Film I Väst and Banijay Rights all co-produce.
Distribution
Abacus Media Rights has closed a series of sales for the CBC/HBO Max original comedy program “Sort Of” ahead of its premiere on CBC’s streaming services Gem and CBC TV in November and in the U.
Banijay Nordic company Jarowskij has unveiled “A Class Apart,” a new eight-part drama series commissioned by Viaplay, which Banijay Rights will distribute internationally. Based on an original idea from Henrik Schyffert and Gustaf Skördeman, the series unspools within a secret society at on of Sweden’s top boarding schools. After a hazing ritual goes wrong and an alumni is found dead, a student from a nearby disadvantaged public school is accused of murder. The series was written by Michaela Hamilton (“Eagles”) and Erik Eger and stars Aliette Opheim (“Caliphate”) and Valter Skarsgård (“Lords of Chaos”). Eger, Andrea Östlund (“The Restaurant”) and David Berron direct. Jarowskij, Brommamamma, Viaplay, Film I Väst and Banijay Rights all co-produce.
Distribution
Abacus Media Rights has closed a series of sales for the CBC/HBO Max original comedy program “Sort Of” ahead of its premiere on CBC’s streaming services Gem and CBC TV in November and in the U.
- 8/18/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
More than a year after the first lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nordic film industry is showing its remarkable resilience and ability to adapt.
Only 2% of film projects were cancelled due to the pandemic, according to a report commissioned by the Nordisk Film & TV Fond — whose partners include national film institutes in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland — and the demand for popular Nordic drama series is higher than ever.
Governments across the Nordics rapidly introduced a series of mitigating and financial measures, in addition to the generous subsidy system already in place, though there was widespread criticism at the start that the aid, directed at businesses in general, was difficult to access for the many SMEs that make up the Nordic region’s film industry.
Across most Nordic countries, shooting resumed in May 2020, two months after lockdown, thanks to the introduction of safe filming guidelines, lower infection rates,...
Only 2% of film projects were cancelled due to the pandemic, according to a report commissioned by the Nordisk Film & TV Fond — whose partners include national film institutes in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland — and the demand for popular Nordic drama series is higher than ever.
Governments across the Nordics rapidly introduced a series of mitigating and financial measures, in addition to the generous subsidy system already in place, though there was widespread criticism at the start that the aid, directed at businesses in general, was difficult to access for the many SMEs that make up the Nordic region’s film industry.
Across most Nordic countries, shooting resumed in May 2020, two months after lockdown, thanks to the introduction of safe filming guidelines, lower infection rates,...
- 7/9/2021
- by Lise Pedersen
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, BBC Studioworks welcomes back studio audiences; Love Nature boards series “Otter Dynasty”; Endeavor Content acquires international rights for series “The Congregation”; Netflix, Ubisoft and Cineflix Studios hire senior team members; and BBC renews “Noughts + Crosses” for season 2.
After the U.K. government eased lockdown restrictions from Monday, BBC Studioworks is getting audiences back into studios from Tuesday, with safety measures in place.
Productions being recorded over the coming days with live audiences present include “The Goes Wrong Show,” produced by Big Talk/Mischief Screen in association with Lionsgate for the BBC; “The Jonathan Ross Show,” a Hotsauce TV/ITV Studios production for ITV; “Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, an ITV Studios production for ITV; and “The Martin Lewis Money Show,” a Multistory Media production for ITV.
Masked audiences will have to take mandatory temperature checks with thermal cameras before entry. Entry and departure to...
After the U.K. government eased lockdown restrictions from Monday, BBC Studioworks is getting audiences back into studios from Tuesday, with safety measures in place.
Productions being recorded over the coming days with live audiences present include “The Goes Wrong Show,” produced by Big Talk/Mischief Screen in association with Lionsgate for the BBC; “The Jonathan Ross Show,” a Hotsauce TV/ITV Studios production for ITV; “Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, an ITV Studios production for ITV; and “The Martin Lewis Money Show,” a Multistory Media production for ITV.
Masked audiences will have to take mandatory temperature checks with thermal cameras before entry. Entry and departure to...
- 5/18/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Banff World Media Festival has revealed the full list of nominees for its 2021 Rockie Awards International Program Competition.
In the English comedy category, contenders include FX’s “Better Things,” HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant,” Hulu’s “The Great,” FX’s “What We Do In The Shadows,” Hulu’s “Woke” and Sky One’s “Brassic.” English-lingo drama nominees include AMC’s “Gangs of London,” HBO/BBC’s “His Dark Materials,” BBC America’s “Killing Eve,” BBC’s “Noughts + Crosses” and Bell Media’s
“Transplant.”
BBC Studios leads all producers, with 28 nominations, followed by HBO, with nine. Among countries, the United States was tops with 50 nods, then United Kingdom with 47.
“We’re ecstatic with the range of high-profile international and Canadian programs that entered and are nominated for the 2021 Rockie Awards,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival. “This year’s nominees are a showcase of the spirit,...
In the English comedy category, contenders include FX’s “Better Things,” HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant,” Hulu’s “The Great,” FX’s “What We Do In The Shadows,” Hulu’s “Woke” and Sky One’s “Brassic.” English-lingo drama nominees include AMC’s “Gangs of London,” HBO/BBC’s “His Dark Materials,” BBC America’s “Killing Eve,” BBC’s “Noughts + Crosses” and Bell Media’s
“Transplant.”
BBC Studios leads all producers, with 28 nominations, followed by HBO, with nine. Among countries, the United States was tops with 50 nods, then United Kingdom with 47.
“We’re ecstatic with the range of high-profile international and Canadian programs that entered and are nominated for the 2021 Rockie Awards,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival. “This year’s nominees are a showcase of the spirit,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The New York Times has severed ties with two reporters that produced some of its highest-profile work in the last three years.
Executive editor Dean Baquet and managing editor Joe Kahn sent out memos Friday revealing the departures of Donald G. McNeil Jr., a science correspondent who reported on the pandemic, and Andy Mills, a producer for the podcast Caliphate that used a phony source.
Both had seemed to survive the disclosure of past misbehaviors. But an uproar from the Times staff and those outside the organization made their continued employment untenable.
McNeil reported used a “racist slur” while on a Times-sponsored field trip with students in 2019. Mills caused the media giant major embarrassment when the podcast series Caliphate largely relied on the assertions of a man who had no ties to the Islamic state.
Baquet and Kahn wrote that McNeil “has done much good reporting over four decades,” but added,...
Executive editor Dean Baquet and managing editor Joe Kahn sent out memos Friday revealing the departures of Donald G. McNeil Jr., a science correspondent who reported on the pandemic, and Andy Mills, a producer for the podcast Caliphate that used a phony source.
Both had seemed to survive the disclosure of past misbehaviors. But an uproar from the Times staff and those outside the organization made their continued employment untenable.
McNeil reported used a “racist slur” while on a Times-sponsored field trip with students in 2019. Mills caused the media giant major embarrassment when the podcast series Caliphate largely relied on the assertions of a man who had no ties to the Islamic state.
Baquet and Kahn wrote that McNeil “has done much good reporting over four decades,” but added,...
- 2/6/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
“Cargo” begins with a lovely sequence shot of a woman, Kiki, in Eritrea, turning off the lights at her family home, tucking up her little daughter, Liah, getting into bed with husband Aman, Liah clambering in after her, and falling asleep breathing in her family, smiling slightly, happy.
It’s the last time that Kiki may have any piece of mind in Finnish director Matti Kinnunen’s “Cargo,” the first high-end series from Fremantle Finland, made for enterprising Finnish public broadcaster Yle , which competes for the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize for best screenplay of a Nordic drama series, to be announced Feb. 3 at the Göteborg Festival’s TV Drama Vision.
Aman’s sister appears, having deserted from the army, soldiers hot on her heels. Soon Kiki, Aman and Liah are fleeing, desperate to leave Eritrea, dodging guards on the Sudan border.
Cut to Kiki’s father, at Helsinki’s...
It’s the last time that Kiki may have any piece of mind in Finnish director Matti Kinnunen’s “Cargo,” the first high-end series from Fremantle Finland, made for enterprising Finnish public broadcaster Yle , which competes for the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize for best screenplay of a Nordic drama series, to be announced Feb. 3 at the Göteborg Festival’s TV Drama Vision.
Aman’s sister appears, having deserted from the army, soldiers hot on her heels. Soon Kiki, Aman and Liah are fleeing, desperate to leave Eritrea, dodging guards on the Sudan border.
Cut to Kiki’s father, at Helsinki’s...
- 1/27/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The New York Times Co. will return the 2018 Peabody Award it received for the podcast Caliphate after an internal investigation found it did not adhere to the news organization’s standards for accuracy.
The Peabody organization confirmed the news Friday, hours after the Times released the results of its investigation of the enterprise report about the Islamic State’s activities in Syria. The paper said it has formally retracted the podcast, a rare admission of serious error.
A Canadian man’s account of Islamic State atrocities, a central part of the 12-part podcast, could not be verified and should not have been trusted, the probe found. The main reporter involved in the multimedia project, Rukmini Callimachi, will be reassigned to a new beat, the paper said. She had been covering terrorism.
The Times published a lengthy account of the findings of the two-month internal probe. Executive editor Dean Baquet blamed newsroom leaders,...
The Peabody organization confirmed the news Friday, hours after the Times released the results of its investigation of the enterprise report about the Islamic State’s activities in Syria. The paper said it has formally retracted the podcast, a rare admission of serious error.
A Canadian man’s account of Islamic State atrocities, a central part of the 12-part podcast, could not be verified and should not have been trusted, the probe found. The main reporter involved in the multimedia project, Rukmini Callimachi, will be reassigned to a new beat, the paper said. She had been covering terrorism.
The Times published a lengthy account of the findings of the two-month internal probe. Executive editor Dean Baquet blamed newsroom leaders,...
- 12/18/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Now that the New York Times has revealed that it can no longer confirm the tales shared by Shehroze Chaudhry, the central figure in the 2018 podcast “Caliphate,” the newspaper has agreed to return the Peabody Award it had previously won for the series.
The decision came following the newspaper’s internal investigation into the veracity of the podcast, and concluded that it did not meet its standards for accuracy.
“As the standard for quality media, the integrity of the Peabody Award is paramount, and we appreciate the professional manner in which the Times has handled this matter,” said Peabody Award executive director Dr. Jeffrey P. Jones. “We will receive the return of the award, recognizing the mutual respect both organizations have for each other’s longstanding record of journalistic integrity.”
The New York Times revealed Friday that it no longer stood behind the reporting on “Caliphate.” In a follow-up report,...
The decision came following the newspaper’s internal investigation into the veracity of the podcast, and concluded that it did not meet its standards for accuracy.
“As the standard for quality media, the integrity of the Peabody Award is paramount, and we appreciate the professional manner in which the Times has handled this matter,” said Peabody Award executive director Dr. Jeffrey P. Jones. “We will receive the return of the award, recognizing the mutual respect both organizations have for each other’s longstanding record of journalistic integrity.”
The New York Times revealed Friday that it no longer stood behind the reporting on “Caliphate.” In a follow-up report,...
- 12/18/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has ordered “The Unlikely Murderer,” a Swedish limited series based on Thomas Pettersson’s eponymous 2018 award-winning book.
The five-part drama series is a fictional interpretation of how Stig Engström, the graphic designer named as the suspected murderer of Sweden’s prime minister Olof Palme, managed to elude justice right up to his death through a combination of audacity, luck and a perplexed police force.
Engström’s murder was not planned well, he did everything wrong from the beginning and almost no one believed his lies about what he actually did during that fateful night in 1986 in Stockholm, Sweden. The series will question how police could have let the suspect get away, despite tracking him.
The series is written by Wilhelm Behrman and Niklas Rockström. Charlotte Brändström (“The Witcher”) is the conceptual director and will helm the first two episodes of the show.
The Swedish-language series will be produced by Flx,...
The five-part drama series is a fictional interpretation of how Stig Engström, the graphic designer named as the suspected murderer of Sweden’s prime minister Olof Palme, managed to elude justice right up to his death through a combination of audacity, luck and a perplexed police force.
Engström’s murder was not planned well, he did everything wrong from the beginning and almost no one believed his lies about what he actually did during that fateful night in 1986 in Stockholm, Sweden. The series will question how police could have let the suspect get away, despite tracking him.
The series is written by Wilhelm Behrman and Niklas Rockström. Charlotte Brändström (“The Witcher”) is the conceptual director and will helm the first two episodes of the show.
The Swedish-language series will be produced by Flx,...
- 12/3/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Swedish Film Institute announces Wild Card funding recipients for debut development funding.
Berlin Alexanderplatz by Burhan Qurbani is the big winner at the 2020 Stockholm International Film Festival, taking the Bronze Horse for best film and also the best actor prize for Welket Bungué.
Mexican director Fernanda Valadez’s Identifying Features was also a double winner for best director and best debut.
His compatriot Michel Franco was presented with this year’s Stockholm Impact Award for his film New Order. Gunda, by Victor Kossakovsky, won the Bronze Horse for best documentary.
Katherine Waterston won best actress for The World To Come.
Berlin Alexanderplatz by Burhan Qurbani is the big winner at the 2020 Stockholm International Film Festival, taking the Bronze Horse for best film and also the best actor prize for Welket Bungué.
Mexican director Fernanda Valadez’s Identifying Features was also a double winner for best director and best debut.
His compatriot Michel Franco was presented with this year’s Stockholm Impact Award for his film New Order. Gunda, by Victor Kossakovsky, won the Bronze Horse for best documentary.
Katherine Waterston won best actress for The World To Come.
- 11/19/2020
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
Banijay has appointed Lars Blomgren as head of scripted for Europe, the Middle East and Asia (Emea), where he will focus on non-English-language content.
Blomgren will report into Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti.
At Endemol Shine Group (Esg), before it was taken over by Banijay, Blomgren spearheaded the business’ non-English scripted production. Under his watch, in 2019 the company was responsible for 69 productions, including “Bron,” “Penoza,” “Caliphate,” “Beforeigners” and “Queens” along with new series, “Vinterviken 2021,” “The Idhun Memories” and “Bombay Begums.”
In his new role, Blomgren will drive collaboration across the non-English-language scripted footprint, identifying new prospects and forging co-production opportunities between English-speaking markets and Emea-based labels.
Bassetti said: “Lars is a great addition to our evolving global team. Having been at the forefront of the non-English-language scripted operations at Esg, he is well-versed in building partnerships and maximizing on investments in this arena and now, with an even broader portfolio of businesses,...
Blomgren will report into Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti.
At Endemol Shine Group (Esg), before it was taken over by Banijay, Blomgren spearheaded the business’ non-English scripted production. Under his watch, in 2019 the company was responsible for 69 productions, including “Bron,” “Penoza,” “Caliphate,” “Beforeigners” and “Queens” along with new series, “Vinterviken 2021,” “The Idhun Memories” and “Bombay Begums.”
In his new role, Blomgren will drive collaboration across the non-English-language scripted footprint, identifying new prospects and forging co-production opportunities between English-speaking markets and Emea-based labels.
Bassetti said: “Lars is a great addition to our evolving global team. Having been at the forefront of the non-English-language scripted operations at Esg, he is well-versed in building partnerships and maximizing on investments in this arena and now, with an even broader portfolio of businesses,...
- 9/10/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay has unveiled its rebranded identity following the completion of its takeover of Endemol Shine Group last week. The combined group, which is headed by Marco Bassetti, CEO, will be entitled Banijay. The Endemol Shine brand is effectively being retired from the new brand.
Banijay’s $2.2 billion deal for Endemol Shine was cleared by the European Commission’s antitrust body last week. Days later, on July 3, the company announced Sophie Turner Laing, CEO of Endemol Shine Group, would be stepping down from her role on July 10.
Boasting 200 entities across 22 countries and a library of 88,000 hours, the French-headquartered group will be the largest non-u.S. content producer and distributor. The group’s well-established banners include Kudos, Filmlance, Rubicon (“Beforeigners”) and Diagonal (“Cathedral of the Sea”) on the Endemol Shine side. Flagship Banijay titles include “Versailles,” “The Inbetweeners” and “Survivor,” while Endemol Shine has “Big Brother,” “MasterChef,” “Black Mirror” and “Peaky Blinders.
Banijay’s $2.2 billion deal for Endemol Shine was cleared by the European Commission’s antitrust body last week. Days later, on July 3, the company announced Sophie Turner Laing, CEO of Endemol Shine Group, would be stepping down from her role on July 10.
Boasting 200 entities across 22 countries and a library of 88,000 hours, the French-headquartered group will be the largest non-u.S. content producer and distributor. The group’s well-established banners include Kudos, Filmlance, Rubicon (“Beforeigners”) and Diagonal (“Cathedral of the Sea”) on the Endemol Shine side. Flagship Banijay titles include “Versailles,” “The Inbetweeners” and “Survivor,” while Endemol Shine has “Big Brother,” “MasterChef,” “Black Mirror” and “Peaky Blinders.
- 7/6/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Sophie Turner Laing, the CEO of Endemol Shine Group, is stepping down from her role following the takeover by Banijay which received anti-trust clearance from the European Commission earlier this week.
The combined group will be led by Marco Bassetti, the CEO of Banijay Group. Turner Laing’s final day will be July 10.
“This deal bookmarks a creatively rich, commercially successful and relentlessly prolific five and a half years as Endemol Shine Group. It has been a real privilege and honour to lead such a talented and dynamic group of people, each of whom has played their part in, and should be proud of, our many collective successes over this time,” said Turner Laing.
“As the start of an exciting new chapter in the company’s story, it is also the appropriate time for me to step down as CEO, and I wish Marco and his team the very best for the future,...
The combined group will be led by Marco Bassetti, the CEO of Banijay Group. Turner Laing’s final day will be July 10.
“This deal bookmarks a creatively rich, commercially successful and relentlessly prolific five and a half years as Endemol Shine Group. It has been a real privilege and honour to lead such a talented and dynamic group of people, each of whom has played their part in, and should be proud of, our many collective successes over this time,” said Turner Laing.
“As the start of an exciting new chapter in the company’s story, it is also the appropriate time for me to step down as CEO, and I wish Marco and his team the very best for the future,...
- 7/3/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay’s $2.2 billion deal for Endemol Shine has received clearance from the European Commission’s antitrust regulators. It’s one of the indie content world’s first major M&a deals to be completed in Europe since the start of the coronavirus crisis.
The antitrust ruling from the EC, which was issued on June 30, was the biggest and final hurdle to overcome for Banijay in order to complete its takeover of Endemol Shine from Disney and Apollo Global Management.
In its decision, the EC said it authorized the acquisition, which gives Lov Group exclusive control over the combined Banijay and Endemol Shine.
“The Commission concluded that the [sought-after] acquisition did not raise any antitrust problem considering the presence of a sufficient number of alternative companies which have content portfolios that are similar in the concerned countries,” said the EC.
The deal, which previously received clearance from antitrust authorities in the U.
The antitrust ruling from the EC, which was issued on June 30, was the biggest and final hurdle to overcome for Banijay in order to complete its takeover of Endemol Shine from Disney and Apollo Global Management.
In its decision, the EC said it authorized the acquisition, which gives Lov Group exclusive control over the combined Banijay and Endemol Shine.
“The Commission concluded that the [sought-after] acquisition did not raise any antitrust problem considering the presence of a sufficient number of alternative companies which have content portfolios that are similar in the concerned countries,” said the EC.
The deal, which previously received clearance from antitrust authorities in the U.
- 7/1/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has placed an order for “Vinterviken 2021,” a contemporary adaptation of the acclaimed 1993 Mats Wohl novel, “Vinterviken,” the U.S. streaming giant announced Thursday.
In a coup for Endemol Shine’s Emea scripted division, “Vinterviken 2021” will be produced by Filmlance International, part of the Endemol Shine Group and producer of the original “The Bridge” (“Bron”/”Broen”), a milestone in Nordic Noir, as well as “Caliphate,” which earlier this year broke audience records on Swedish public broadcaster Svt’s VOD catch-up service Svt Play.
The original novel inspired a high-profile movie of the same title. The inclusion of the year in the new movie’s title looks like a declaration of intentions. A high school romantic drama, “Vinterviken 2021” plumbs social inequalities and prejudice which have only grown in the 25 years since the novel, doing so through a teen love story between Elisabeth and John-John where the audience discover, along with its...
In a coup for Endemol Shine’s Emea scripted division, “Vinterviken 2021” will be produced by Filmlance International, part of the Endemol Shine Group and producer of the original “The Bridge” (“Bron”/”Broen”), a milestone in Nordic Noir, as well as “Caliphate,” which earlier this year broke audience records on Swedish public broadcaster Svt’s VOD catch-up service Svt Play.
The original novel inspired a high-profile movie of the same title. The inclusion of the year in the new movie’s title looks like a declaration of intentions. A high school romantic drama, “Vinterviken 2021” plumbs social inequalities and prejudice which have only grown in the 25 years since the novel, doing so through a teen love story between Elisabeth and John-John where the audience discover, along with its...
- 4/23/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Now Netflix title “Caliphate,” produced by the Endemol Shine-owned Swedish production company Filmlance, has smashed all-time viewing records on Sweden’s Svt Play, the catch-up VOD service of public broadcaster Svt, Endemol Shine Group confirmed Wednesday.
“Caliphate” was made available globally on Netflix on March 18.
The biggest success ever on Svt Play, Endemol Shine said, “Caliphate” bowed on Svt on Jan. 12 where it is already known to have attracted an average of over 600,000 adult viewers during its first month on Play, a record for the streaming service.
Svt figures at the time, published by the Nordisk Film & TV Fond newsletter, also underscored a clear shift from linear to online in the Swedish public as more episodes of the series were released.
That can be put down to “Caliphate” itself. On one hand, it is an edge-of-the-seat thriller, turning on the excruciating daily danger suffered by a young Swedish mother,...
“Caliphate” was made available globally on Netflix on March 18.
The biggest success ever on Svt Play, Endemol Shine said, “Caliphate” bowed on Svt on Jan. 12 where it is already known to have attracted an average of over 600,000 adult viewers during its first month on Play, a record for the streaming service.
Svt figures at the time, published by the Nordisk Film & TV Fond newsletter, also underscored a clear shift from linear to online in the Swedish public as more episodes of the series were released.
That can be put down to “Caliphate” itself. On one hand, it is an edge-of-the-seat thriller, turning on the excruciating daily danger suffered by a young Swedish mother,...
- 4/8/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Endemol Shine Nordics has appointed Hanne Palmquist to the newly created post of head of scripted. Palmquist will also take charge as managing director of Swedish production company Filmlance.
Both outfits are backed by production-distribution powerhouse Endemol Shine Group, which is in the process of being acquired by Banijay Group.
Palmquist will report into Lars Blomgren, head of scripted for Emea at Endemol Shine. She will be responsible for all the firm’s scripted programming from the Nordics, including series from Rubicon, Endemol Shine Finland, Metronome Denmark and Filmlance.
At Filmlance, she takes over from Anders Landstrom, who has stepped down from the managing director position, but will continue in an executive producer role for high-end local and international projects. Landstrom shepherded projects such as “Caliphate” and “Tsunami” during his tenure.
Palmquist was previously with HBO Nordics, where she was commissioning editor and VP responsible for original content for the region.
Both outfits are backed by production-distribution powerhouse Endemol Shine Group, which is in the process of being acquired by Banijay Group.
Palmquist will report into Lars Blomgren, head of scripted for Emea at Endemol Shine. She will be responsible for all the firm’s scripted programming from the Nordics, including series from Rubicon, Endemol Shine Finland, Metronome Denmark and Filmlance.
At Filmlance, she takes over from Anders Landstrom, who has stepped down from the managing director position, but will continue in an executive producer role for high-end local and international projects. Landstrom shepherded projects such as “Caliphate” and “Tsunami” during his tenure.
Palmquist was previously with HBO Nordics, where she was commissioning editor and VP responsible for original content for the region.
- 3/6/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Anders Landstrom steps down as MD of Filmlance; Helena Akerman joins Filmlance from Svt.
Hanne Palmquist is leaving her post as commissioning editor/VP at HBO Nordic to join Endemol Shine Nordics in the newly created post of head of scripted and the additional post of managing director of Filmlance.
Palmquist starts the job on September 1 and will report to Lars Blomgren, head of scripted at Emea at Endemol Shine Group.
She will have responsibility for all of Endemol Shine’s scripted programming from the Nordics, including series from Rubicon, Endemol Shine Finland, Metronome Denmark and Filmlance.
Anders Landstrom has...
Hanne Palmquist is leaving her post as commissioning editor/VP at HBO Nordic to join Endemol Shine Nordics in the newly created post of head of scripted and the additional post of managing director of Filmlance.
Palmquist starts the job on September 1 and will report to Lars Blomgren, head of scripted at Emea at Endemol Shine Group.
She will have responsibility for all of Endemol Shine’s scripted programming from the Nordics, including series from Rubicon, Endemol Shine Finland, Metronome Denmark and Filmlance.
Anders Landstrom has...
- 3/6/2020
- by 1100142¦Wendy Mitchell¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Berlin — In the run-up to the Berlinale Series Market, the Endemol Shine Group announced the launch of a new and powerful scripted label in Berlin, MadeFor Film, headed by joint CEOs, Nanni Erben and Gunnar Juncken. Here, “The Bridge” executive producer Lars Blomgren, who was appointed Endemol Shine head of scripted, Emea in June 2018 – after already heading up its Filmlance company – paints the bigger picture:
The volume of scripted series production has ramped up dramatically in Germany – as Spain, Italy and France – over the last few years. There’s little indication that this international growth in scripted will stop. Is the demand for higher-end global series the key explanation for the creation of MadeFor Film?
Absolutely. We are growing. In 2018, we made 50 non-English language scripted series, and 69 last year out of 92 in total for Endemol Shine.
How will you work with already established companies in Germany?
MadeFor is part of...
The volume of scripted series production has ramped up dramatically in Germany – as Spain, Italy and France – over the last few years. There’s little indication that this international growth in scripted will stop. Is the demand for higher-end global series the key explanation for the creation of MadeFor Film?
Absolutely. We are growing. In 2018, we made 50 non-English language scripted series, and 69 last year out of 92 in total for Endemol Shine.
How will you work with already established companies in Germany?
MadeFor is part of...
- 2/26/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
“Black Mirror” and “Peaky Blinders” producer Endemol Shine Group has set up a new scripted label in Germany, Variety can reveal.
Based in Berlin and led by joint CEOs Nanni Erben and Gunnar Juncken, MadeFor Film will focus on both high-end TV series and feature films for the domestic and international markets, as well as co-productions within the wider Endemol Shine Group, as well as with other platforms and partners.
Endemol Shine’s expansion into Germany follows Banijay’s $2.2 billion acquisition of the production-distribution powerhouse in October.
The deal, currently in the anti-trust period, is expected to close this summer. At that point, Endemol Shine’s MadeFor will join Banijay’s existing German production banners, including Brainpool, Good Times and Banijay Prods. Germany, which have largely focused on unscripted content. It is as yet unclear whether some of Banijay’s production subsidiaries in the territory may be merged following the deal’s closure.
Based in Berlin and led by joint CEOs Nanni Erben and Gunnar Juncken, MadeFor Film will focus on both high-end TV series and feature films for the domestic and international markets, as well as co-productions within the wider Endemol Shine Group, as well as with other platforms and partners.
Endemol Shine’s expansion into Germany follows Banijay’s $2.2 billion acquisition of the production-distribution powerhouse in October.
The deal, currently in the anti-trust period, is expected to close this summer. At that point, Endemol Shine’s MadeFor will join Banijay’s existing German production banners, including Brainpool, Good Times and Banijay Prods. Germany, which have largely focused on unscripted content. It is as yet unclear whether some of Banijay’s production subsidiaries in the territory may be merged following the deal’s closure.
- 2/21/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
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