HBO Europe veteran Antony Root is set to leave Warner Bros. Discovery at the end of March after 11 years spearheading original programming across the continent.
Root has commissioned and overseen more than 1,000 episodes of original premium programming across scripted, documentaries and unscripted for HBO Europe and HBO Max streaming services. The executive was a champion of European originals long before pushing into local production became in vogue among studios and streamers.
Some of his top local originals include “The Pack” and “Blinded by the Lights” in Poland; “Burning Bush” and “Wasteland” in Czechia; “Golden Life” in Hungary; the Oscar-nominated documentary “Collective” in Romania; “Patria” and “30 Coins” in Spain; and “Beartown,” “Beforeigners” and “Kamikaze” in the Nordics.
While there has been extensive restructuring of Warner Bros. Discovery operations since the Warner Bros. and Discovery merger last year — including a significant rejig of international — Variety understands that Root had long-standing plans to retire from Wbd,...
Root has commissioned and overseen more than 1,000 episodes of original premium programming across scripted, documentaries and unscripted for HBO Europe and HBO Max streaming services. The executive was a champion of European originals long before pushing into local production became in vogue among studios and streamers.
Some of his top local originals include “The Pack” and “Blinded by the Lights” in Poland; “Burning Bush” and “Wasteland” in Czechia; “Golden Life” in Hungary; the Oscar-nominated documentary “Collective” in Romania; “Patria” and “30 Coins” in Spain; and “Beartown,” “Beforeigners” and “Kamikaze” in the Nordics.
While there has been extensive restructuring of Warner Bros. Discovery operations since the Warner Bros. and Discovery merger last year — including a significant rejig of international — Variety understands that Root had long-standing plans to retire from Wbd,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
European entertainment and media organization Antenna Group has appointed Linda Jensen to the position of group CEO.
Jensen, who in her wide-ranging experience of more than 20 years has held senior positions with HBO Europe, MTV Russia and Central European Media Enterprises, will take responsibility for the Antenna Group’s portfolio of media assets across multiple platforms, and will be identifying new markets and technologies that offer opportunities for increased growth.
The executive replaces Bert Habets, who joined ProSiebenSat.1 Media Se as group CEO in Nov. 2022.
In her previous roles, Jensen was responsible for substantial revenue growth and possesses considerable experience in implementing successful digital expansion strategies as well as a specialist knowledge and understanding of the Central and Eastern Europe and wider European marketplace.
Theodore Kyriakou, chair, Antenna Group, said: “I am pleased to welcome Linda to Antenna Group. Her substantial experience and unique track record will significantly contribute to our growth strategy.
Jensen, who in her wide-ranging experience of more than 20 years has held senior positions with HBO Europe, MTV Russia and Central European Media Enterprises, will take responsibility for the Antenna Group’s portfolio of media assets across multiple platforms, and will be identifying new markets and technologies that offer opportunities for increased growth.
The executive replaces Bert Habets, who joined ProSiebenSat.1 Media Se as group CEO in Nov. 2022.
In her previous roles, Jensen was responsible for substantial revenue growth and possesses considerable experience in implementing successful digital expansion strategies as well as a specialist knowledge and understanding of the Central and Eastern Europe and wider European marketplace.
Theodore Kyriakou, chair, Antenna Group, said: “I am pleased to welcome Linda to Antenna Group. Her substantial experience and unique track record will significantly contribute to our growth strategy.
- 1/4/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Antenna Group has appointed former HBO Europe boss Linda Jensen as CEO following the departure of Bert Habets to ProSiebenSat.1.
Jensen, who joins from Envision Entertainment, is a former HBO Europe CEO who has also worked in strategy for MTV Russia and Cme.
She takes control of the largest Greek media company that broadcasts in a range of countries, running a number of channels and networks.
Antenna Chairman Theodore Kyriakou hailed her “substantial experience and unique track record, which will significantly contribute to our growth strategy.”
Jensen added: “With its excellent content and growing international footprint, Antenna has a perfect foundation for future innovation and expansion. I look forward to working with the team as we create outstanding entertainment experiences for our global audience.”
Jensen replaces Habets, who departed to run German giant ProSiebenSat.1 in October following a year in post with Antenna. Habets was previously CEO of Rtl Group.
Jensen, who joins from Envision Entertainment, is a former HBO Europe CEO who has also worked in strategy for MTV Russia and Cme.
She takes control of the largest Greek media company that broadcasts in a range of countries, running a number of channels and networks.
Antenna Chairman Theodore Kyriakou hailed her “substantial experience and unique track record, which will significantly contribute to our growth strategy.”
Jensen added: “With its excellent content and growing international footprint, Antenna has a perfect foundation for future innovation and expansion. I look forward to working with the team as we create outstanding entertainment experiences for our global audience.”
Jensen replaces Habets, who departed to run German giant ProSiebenSat.1 in October following a year in post with Antenna. Habets was previously CEO of Rtl Group.
- 12/28/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Commission
U.K. broadcaster ITV has commissioned Fremantle U.K. to produce a documentary film on British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently awaiting trial in a U.S. jail over her alleged involvement in the crimes of which Jeffrey Epstein was accused.
Maxwell faces trial this year on charges of sex trafficking and the abuse of underage girls, which could see her jailed for decades. She denies her involvement in the crimes.
“Ghislaine” (working title) will feature new interviews with key figures at the center of the case, including alleged victims and Ghislaine’s siblings, staff, friends, lawyers and investigators, some speaking publicly for the first time on this matter. It will be presented by Ranvir Singh.
“Ghislaine” was commissioned by ITV head of factual entertainment Sue Murphy and commissioning editor, factual entertainment, Nicola Lloyd. Executive producers are Yvonne Alexander and Fatima Salaria for Fremantle U.K., who hold international distribution rights.
U.K. broadcaster ITV has commissioned Fremantle U.K. to produce a documentary film on British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently awaiting trial in a U.S. jail over her alleged involvement in the crimes of which Jeffrey Epstein was accused.
Maxwell faces trial this year on charges of sex trafficking and the abuse of underage girls, which could see her jailed for decades. She denies her involvement in the crimes.
“Ghislaine” (working title) will feature new interviews with key figures at the center of the case, including alleged victims and Ghislaine’s siblings, staff, friends, lawyers and investigators, some speaking publicly for the first time on this matter. It will be presented by Ranvir Singh.
“Ghislaine” was commissioned by ITV head of factual entertainment Sue Murphy and commissioning editor, factual entertainment, Nicola Lloyd. Executive producers are Yvonne Alexander and Fatima Salaria for Fremantle U.K., who hold international distribution rights.
- 11/15/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UK-based production house Envision Entertainment has significantly expanded its ranks by appointing two key executives.
Former HBO Europe CEO Linda Jensen, who pioneered the U.S. company’s growth into local-language programming, and experienced UK producer David Barron, whose credits include the Harry Potter franchise, have both joined the company to focus on distinct areas.
At Envision, Jensen will seek out and acquire local IP with international potential. She will also spearhead the launch of an investment arm at the company, which will also look to acquire stakes in synergistic media companies across the screen industry in complimentary fields such as publishing, gaming, and animation.
The team told Deadline they would initially focus on territories in Cee and East Asia (where Nakan has specialist knowledge), with plans to quickly expand into high-growth territories such as India, the Middle East, South East Asia, and Africa.
Envision founder Michael Nakan will...
Former HBO Europe CEO Linda Jensen, who pioneered the U.S. company’s growth into local-language programming, and experienced UK producer David Barron, whose credits include the Harry Potter franchise, have both joined the company to focus on distinct areas.
At Envision, Jensen will seek out and acquire local IP with international potential. She will also spearhead the launch of an investment arm at the company, which will also look to acquire stakes in synergistic media companies across the screen industry in complimentary fields such as publishing, gaming, and animation.
The team told Deadline they would initially focus on territories in Cee and East Asia (where Nakan has specialist knowledge), with plans to quickly expand into high-growth territories such as India, the Middle East, South East Asia, and Africa.
Envision founder Michael Nakan will...
- 11/15/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.