Made in Chelsea and That’s My Jam producer Monkey’s co-founders are stepping down after more than two decades at the helm.
In a note shared with staff, owner Universal International Studios President Beatrice Springborn said Creative Directors David Granger and Will Macdonald have “announced their decision to leave.”
“In addition to building a compelling premium unscripted business, David and Will have also built a fantastic team and are leaving Monkey well-positioned for the future,” she added. “I want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to David and Will for their dedication in building Monkey into the successful production company that it is today.”
Granger and Macdonald added: “It’s been an incredibly tough decision to say goodbye to Monkey. More than anything we are just immensely proud of the 200 series we’ve created and produced together at Monkey from Borehamwood to Hollywood and back again.”
The pair...
In a note shared with staff, owner Universal International Studios President Beatrice Springborn said Creative Directors David Granger and Will Macdonald have “announced their decision to leave.”
“In addition to building a compelling premium unscripted business, David and Will have also built a fantastic team and are leaving Monkey well-positioned for the future,” she added. “I want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to David and Will for their dedication in building Monkey into the successful production company that it is today.”
Granger and Macdonald added: “It’s been an incredibly tough decision to say goodbye to Monkey. More than anything we are just immensely proud of the 200 series we’ve created and produced together at Monkey from Borehamwood to Hollywood and back again.”
The pair...
- 6/9/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The co-founders of “Made in Chelsea” producers Monkey are stepping down after 23 years with the company.
Sources tell Variety that David Granger and Will Macdonald announced their decision to exit as creative directors of Monkey on Friday afternoon. It’s not yet clear why they’re leaving, but it’s believed they may set up another production shingle in the future.
Granger and Macdonald founded Monkey in 2000 and joined Universal International Studios in 2010 when the company was acquired by NBCUniversal. Since that period, Monkey has grown into a reality behemoth in the U.K., best known for the long-running unscripted show “Made in Chelsea” — now on Season 25 on digital channel E4 and also airing on Peacock in the U.S. — as well as “The Real Housewives of Cheshire,” which is on Season 16 for ITVBe.
The company’s other credits include the BBC adaptation of NBC’s “That’s My Jam,” fronted...
Sources tell Variety that David Granger and Will Macdonald announced their decision to exit as creative directors of Monkey on Friday afternoon. It’s not yet clear why they’re leaving, but it’s believed they may set up another production shingle in the future.
Granger and Macdonald founded Monkey in 2000 and joined Universal International Studios in 2010 when the company was acquired by NBCUniversal. Since that period, Monkey has grown into a reality behemoth in the U.K., best known for the long-running unscripted show “Made in Chelsea” — now on Season 25 on digital channel E4 and also airing on Peacock in the U.S. — as well as “The Real Housewives of Cheshire,” which is on Season 16 for ITVBe.
The company’s other credits include the BBC adaptation of NBC’s “That’s My Jam,” fronted...
- 6/9/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Too Hot to Handle co-creator Laura Gibson has joined Universal International Studios production company Monkey as Creative Director.
Gibson is leaving Fremantle producer Talkback after six years, during which time she oversaw the breakout Netflix reality hit, which has been renewed for a fifth season.
She will be tasked with replicating Too Hot to Handle‘s magic for Monkey, which is best known for shows including Made In Chelsea and the BBC adaptation of NBC’s That’s My Jam.
Gibson’s other credits include Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow for ITV, while she also played a role in reviving iconic British comedy music quiz Never Mind the Buzzcocks for Sky.
She will work alongside Monkey’s co-founders Will Macdonald and David Granger, who said she has an “exceptional track record creating ground-breaking entertainment shows.”
Jonno Richards, Managing Director of Talkback, said: “Laura has been a key part of the...
Gibson is leaving Fremantle producer Talkback after six years, during which time she oversaw the breakout Netflix reality hit, which has been renewed for a fifth season.
She will be tasked with replicating Too Hot to Handle‘s magic for Monkey, which is best known for shows including Made In Chelsea and the BBC adaptation of NBC’s That’s My Jam.
Gibson’s other credits include Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow for ITV, while she also played a role in reviving iconic British comedy music quiz Never Mind the Buzzcocks for Sky.
She will work alongside Monkey’s co-founders Will Macdonald and David Granger, who said she has an “exceptional track record creating ground-breaking entertainment shows.”
Jonno Richards, Managing Director of Talkback, said: “Laura has been a key part of the...
- 6/1/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“Made in Chelsea” producer Monkey has tapped Helen Kruger Bratt as its new managing director.
Kruger Bratt will work with creative directors Will Macdonald and David Granger to drive the company’s next phase of growth. As well as overseeing operations she will be tasked with identifying and growing talent within the business.
She was previously head of production at Lime Pictures, where she worked on shows including “The Only Way is Essex,” and before that worked at ITV Studios’ entertainment department, where she oversaw productions including “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here” and “Love Island.”
Monkey, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, has also hired Abby Woolf as head of development and elevated Emily Rai to head of production.
“I’ve had an incredible three years at Lime and Lion, and I’m so proud of the range of shows,...
Kruger Bratt will work with creative directors Will Macdonald and David Granger to drive the company’s next phase of growth. As well as overseeing operations she will be tasked with identifying and growing talent within the business.
She was previously head of production at Lime Pictures, where she worked on shows including “The Only Way is Essex,” and before that worked at ITV Studios’ entertainment department, where she oversaw productions including “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here” and “Love Island.”
Monkey, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, has also hired Abby Woolf as head of development and elevated Emily Rai to head of production.
“I’ve had an incredible three years at Lime and Lion, and I’m so proud of the range of shows,...
- 11/16/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
That’s My Jam UK and Made in Chelsea producer Monkey has hired Lime Pictures Head of Production Helen Kruger Bratt as its Managing Director. The company has also hired Amy Woolf as Head of Development.
Kruger Bratt will work alongside Creative Directors Will Macdonald and David Grainger and Monkey parent Universal International Studios to oversee a new phase of growth for the unscripted producer and lead its operations. She’ll also be responsible for developing and growing talent within the business.
At All3Media-owned Lime, she worked across Lime Unscripted, Wise Owl Films and Lion Television on shows such as The Only Way is Essex, Celebs Go Dating and Geordie Shore. Considering Monkey’s Made in Chelsea, currently in its 24th season and available in the U.S. on Peacock, inhabits the same scripted reality space as The Only Way is Essex, Kruger Bratt’s hire appears a smart one.
Kruger Bratt will work alongside Creative Directors Will Macdonald and David Grainger and Monkey parent Universal International Studios to oversee a new phase of growth for the unscripted producer and lead its operations. She’ll also be responsible for developing and growing talent within the business.
At All3Media-owned Lime, she worked across Lime Unscripted, Wise Owl Films and Lion Television on shows such as The Only Way is Essex, Celebs Go Dating and Geordie Shore. Considering Monkey’s Made in Chelsea, currently in its 24th season and available in the U.S. on Peacock, inhabits the same scripted reality space as The Only Way is Essex, Kruger Bratt’s hire appears a smart one.
- 11/16/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
A UK version of Jimmy Fallon’s That’s My Jam is being taken to series by BBC One, and triple-bafta-winning The Masked Singer UK presenter Mo Gilligan is set to host.
The UK version is the third, following France’s Stéréo Club, and Universal International Studios’ label Monkey is producing along with Universal Television Alternative Studio.
Hosted by Fallon, the NBC original gameshow draws inspiration from musical segments on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, with signature games including Launch the Mic, Air Guitar, Don’t Drop the Beat and Slay It, Don’t Spray It.
Details on games and guests will be revealed in due course.
“This is such an exceptional format and I’m so honoured that the BBC and NBCUniversal are letting me bring it to the UK,” said Gilligan, a rising entertainment and comedy star who has won three BAFTAs for Channel 4’s The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan.
The UK version is the third, following France’s Stéréo Club, and Universal International Studios’ label Monkey is producing along with Universal Television Alternative Studio.
Hosted by Fallon, the NBC original gameshow draws inspiration from musical segments on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, with signature games including Launch the Mic, Air Guitar, Don’t Drop the Beat and Slay It, Don’t Spray It.
Details on games and guests will be revealed in due course.
“This is such an exceptional format and I’m so honoured that the BBC and NBCUniversal are letting me bring it to the UK,” said Gilligan, a rising entertainment and comedy star who has won three BAFTAs for Channel 4’s The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan.
- 7/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A U.K. version of “That’s My Jam,” hosted by BAFTA winner Mo Gilligan (Channel 4’s “The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan”), is heading to the BBC.
“That’s My Jam” is based on the original U.S. show hosted by Jimmy Fallon, which draws inspiration from the popular musical segments on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Signature games from the U.S. version include Launch the Mic, Air Guitar, Don’t Drop the Beat and Slay It, Don’t Spray It. The U.K. version promises celebrity guests, dance and trivia-based games and musical performances featuring popular songs.
The U.K. version of “That’s My Jam” (8 x 60′) will be produced by Universal International Studios’ Monkey, in partnership with Universal Television Alternative Studio. It was commissioned by Kate Phillips, director of entertainment commissioning at the BBC. (The broadcaster announced Kalpna Patel-Knight as head of...
“That’s My Jam” is based on the original U.S. show hosted by Jimmy Fallon, which draws inspiration from the popular musical segments on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Signature games from the U.S. version include Launch the Mic, Air Guitar, Don’t Drop the Beat and Slay It, Don’t Spray It. The U.K. version promises celebrity guests, dance and trivia-based games and musical performances featuring popular songs.
The U.K. version of “That’s My Jam” (8 x 60′) will be produced by Universal International Studios’ Monkey, in partnership with Universal Television Alternative Studio. It was commissioned by Kate Phillips, director of entertainment commissioning at the BBC. (The broadcaster announced Kalpna Patel-Knight as head of...
- 7/12/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Zawe Ashton, Hayley Squires And Daniel Mays Land Leads In BBC Adaptation Of ‘Maryland’
Lucy Kirkwood’s play Maryland is being adapted for the BBC and Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat), Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays have landed the lead roles. The 30-minute adaptation of the Royal Court play will be called Mary and air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on July 20. Kirkwood and doc director Brian Hill are co-directors on the story, which is billed as a “artistic response to recent real-life events” such as the murders of British women Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman and Sabina Nessa, grappling with the violence facing women in their everyday lives. Ashton and Squires play women both called Mary who meet at a police station in the aftermath of their respective sexual assaults. Kirkwood said: “I wrote the original play as a howl against...
Lucy Kirkwood’s play Maryland is being adapted for the BBC and Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat), Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays have landed the lead roles. The 30-minute adaptation of the Royal Court play will be called Mary and air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on July 20. Kirkwood and doc director Brian Hill are co-directors on the story, which is billed as a “artistic response to recent real-life events” such as the murders of British women Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman and Sabina Nessa, grappling with the violence facing women in their everyday lives. Ashton and Squires play women both called Mary who meet at a police station in the aftermath of their respective sexual assaults. Kirkwood said: “I wrote the original play as a howl against...
- 7/1/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has finally made an official announcement regarding the future of Top Gear, with DJ Chris Evans becoming the show's new lead host.
Following Jeremy Clarkson's departure, it also looks as if James May and Richard Hammond will not be returning, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.
Evans has said that a female co-host will "definitely" be joining him, but who is in line for one of the biggest TV shows in the world? Here's a list of potential options tipped by bookmakers and fans alike.
1. Jodie Kidd
One of the most popular choices at the bookies, Kidd is a good friend of Clarkson and the Top Gear team, and knows her stuff when it comes to motors.
Primarily known for her modelling work before a career in TV, she is a keen motor racer and has taken part in the Gumball 3000 several times. At one stage,...
Following Jeremy Clarkson's departure, it also looks as if James May and Richard Hammond will not be returning, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.
Evans has said that a female co-host will "definitely" be joining him, but who is in line for one of the biggest TV shows in the world? Here's a list of potential options tipped by bookmakers and fans alike.
1. Jodie Kidd
One of the most popular choices at the bookies, Kidd is a good friend of Clarkson and the Top Gear team, and knows her stuff when it comes to motors.
Primarily known for her modelling work before a career in TV, she is a keen motor racer and has taken part in the Gumball 3000 several times. At one stage,...
- 6/17/2015
- Digital Spy
Drama, drama, drama: Bravo Media has renewed “Flipping Out,” “Married to Medicine,” and “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (pictured above). It also set the premiere date for its second original scripted series, “Odd Mom Out,” which will debut on Monday, June 8.
Additionally, the cable channel set return dates for “Shahs of Sunset” (March 2), “Newlyweds: The First Year” (March 10), “Southern Charm” (March 9), and “Million Dollar Listing New York” (April 8), it revealed Thursday at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.
Finally, Bravo is developing “The One” from executive producer Charlize Theron, which was previously announced on Thursday under the terms...
Additionally, the cable channel set return dates for “Shahs of Sunset” (March 2), “Newlyweds: The First Year” (March 10), “Southern Charm” (March 9), and “Million Dollar Listing New York” (April 8), it revealed Thursday at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.
Finally, Bravo is developing “The One” from executive producer Charlize Theron, which was previously announced on Thursday under the terms...
- 1/15/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
You couldn't get much more '90s than Tfi Friday. Even if you watched an episode of Friends while wearing a fisherman's hat with Shed Seven playing 'Chasing Rainbows' at the same time in your living room, it still wouldn't be as '90s as Chris Evans stood at a bar, shouting "Wiiiiiilll" in between bursts of 'The Riverboat Song'.
So when Chris Evans revealed over the Bank Holiday that Channel 4 had approached him to revive the show to mark its 20th anniversary next year (it isn't actually 20 until 2016, but let's not quibble over small details), there were understandably a few groans from people who thought the rowdy entertainment show should be left in the decade of Cool Britannia, Hooch and Kula Shaker.
But we disagree, for the five following reasons:
1. Tfi was live. Tfi was unpredictable.
Well, it was normally live. It was until Shaun Ryder...
So when Chris Evans revealed over the Bank Holiday that Channel 4 had approached him to revive the show to mark its 20th anniversary next year (it isn't actually 20 until 2016, but let's not quibble over small details), there were understandably a few groans from people who thought the rowdy entertainment show should be left in the decade of Cool Britannia, Hooch and Kula Shaker.
But we disagree, for the five following reasons:
1. Tfi was live. Tfi was unpredictable.
Well, it was normally live. It was until Shaun Ryder...
- 8/28/2014
- Digital Spy
TBS is prepping to put a new spin on the quiz show and they've hired not one, but two comedians to host the series.
D.L. Hughley and Michael Ian Black will co-host "Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host," a game show in which the two hosts duel to deceive contestants. The series comes from Mark Burnett's One Three Media and London-based Monkey.
In the series, Hughley and Black will each present a contestant with a bizarre and seemingly implausible fact. One of the facts will be true, while the other will be a flat-out lie. It's up to the super sleuth contestant to determine which host is telling the truth. If a player can prove themselves to be an ace lie detector, they'll go home with a pocketful of cash.
"This is a game show where a host is legitimately trying to convince a contestant to choose the wrong answer,...
D.L. Hughley and Michael Ian Black will co-host "Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host," a game show in which the two hosts duel to deceive contestants. The series comes from Mark Burnett's One Three Media and London-based Monkey.
In the series, Hughley and Black will each present a contestant with a bizarre and seemingly implausible fact. One of the facts will be true, while the other will be a flat-out lie. It's up to the super sleuth contestant to determine which host is telling the truth. If a player can prove themselves to be an ace lie detector, they'll go home with a pocketful of cash.
"This is a game show where a host is legitimately trying to convince a contestant to choose the wrong answer,...
- 4/23/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Comedians D.L. Hughley and Michael Ian Black have signed on to host the TBS original series from Mark Burnett’s One Three Media and London-based Monkey. Trust Me, I’m A Game Show Host has a bit of a twist in which the two hosts duel to deceive contestants. “This is a game show where a host is legitimately trying to convince a contestant to choose the wrong answer,” said Burnett. “D.L. and Michael’s comedic styles are perfect for pulling this off”. Hughley and Black will each present the single contestant with a bizarre and seemingly implausible fact, one of which is true, the other of which is not. The contestant must then choose the true fact to be rewarded in the game. The players who prove themselves to be super-human lie detectors will go home with a cash prize. Burnett and Monkey founders Will MacDonald and David Granger serve as executive producers.
- 4/23/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
With their upfronts happening tonight, Bravo announced that it has greenlit 11 new unscripted series, including spin-offs for Top Chef and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, as well as season orders for eight of their returning favorites. Viewers can expect to see another season of Flipping Out, Tabatha Takes Over, Million Dollar Decorators, Million Dollar Listing Lost Angeles, Top Chef Masters, Chef Roble & Co., Pregnant in Heels, and Inside the Actors Studio.
Click below for a description of Bravo’s new shows.
New Series Greenlights:
Silicon Valley (working title)
Produced by Den of Thieves with Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager...
Click below for a description of Bravo’s new shows.
New Series Greenlights:
Silicon Valley (working title)
Produced by Den of Thieves with Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager...
- 4/4/2012
- by Tim Stack
- EW - Inside TV
Eleven new shows, including a spinoff for "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump and a new "Top Chef" series with Jen Carroll, Richard Blais, Fabio Viviani and Spike Mendelsohn, are heading to Bravo. The network has also renewed eight shows, including "Tabatha Takes Over."
"Sur" goes inside "Housewives" star Vanderpump's La hotspot restaurant. "Life After Top Chef" follows the personal and professional lives of the four former "Top Chef" cheftestants. There are also new shows set on yachts, in the offices of icanhascheezburger.com and in art galleries and the network also announced seven new unscripted projects in development.
Two scripted shows are in the works at Bravo, but the subject matter is familiar to the established audience. "22 Birthdays" follows the lives of a group of parents at a private school, with each episode centered around a lavish birthday party. "Blowing Sunshine" hails from "90210's" Jason Ning and...
"Sur" goes inside "Housewives" star Vanderpump's La hotspot restaurant. "Life After Top Chef" follows the personal and professional lives of the four former "Top Chef" cheftestants. There are also new shows set on yachts, in the offices of icanhascheezburger.com and in art galleries and the network also announced seven new unscripted projects in development.
Two scripted shows are in the works at Bravo, but the subject matter is familiar to the established audience. "22 Birthdays" follows the lives of a group of parents at a private school, with each episode centered around a lavish birthday party. "Blowing Sunshine" hails from "90210's" Jason Ning and...
- 4/4/2012
- by Chris Harnick
- Huffington Post
Eleven new shows, including a spinoff for "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump and a new "Top Chef" series with Jen Carroll, Richard Blais, Fabio Viviani and Spike Mendelsohn, are heading to Bravo. The network has also renewed eight shows, including "Tabatha Takes Over."
"Sur" goes inside "Housewives" star Vanderpump's La hotspot restaurant. "Life After Top Chef" follows the personal and professional lives of the four former "Top Chef" cheftestants. There are also new shows set on yachts, in the offices of icanhascheezburger.com and in art galleries and the network also announced seven new unscripted projects in development.
Two scripted shows are in the works at Bravo, but the subject matter is familiar to the established audience. "22 Birthdays" follows the lives of a group of parents at a private school, with each episode centered around a lavish birthday party. "Blowing Sunshine" hails from "90210's" Jason Ning and...
"Sur" goes inside "Housewives" star Vanderpump's La hotspot restaurant. "Life After Top Chef" follows the personal and professional lives of the four former "Top Chef" cheftestants. There are also new shows set on yachts, in the offices of icanhascheezburger.com and in art galleries and the network also announced seven new unscripted projects in development.
Two scripted shows are in the works at Bravo, but the subject matter is familiar to the established audience. "22 Birthdays" follows the lives of a group of parents at a private school, with each episode centered around a lavish birthday party. "Blowing Sunshine" hails from "90210's" Jason Ning and...
- 4/4/2012
- by Chris Harnick
- Aol TV.
The Eagle director, Kevin Macdonald has been hired to take on the upcoming Bob Marley documentary.
Upcoming? Who knows, everything is possible with this project, we already had some reports about it, so you remember that several directors and actors were once attached to the whole thing.
Will Macdonald finally make it?
I was already intrigued by the Marley story but the way in which this film is developing, as we delve through the archive materials and interview key characters in his life, has surpassed my expectations.
What made Bob tick is probably unanswerable but viewers will certainly feel that they know him a little better after seeing our documentary. I am grateful to the Marley family for entrusting me with their heritage,
Macdonald said.
So, as you see, Macdonald will have the full cooperation of the Marley family.
He was chosen by the film’s executive producers including Marley’s son Ziggy,...
Upcoming? Who knows, everything is possible with this project, we already had some reports about it, so you remember that several directors and actors were once attached to the whole thing.
Will Macdonald finally make it?
I was already intrigued by the Marley story but the way in which this film is developing, as we delve through the archive materials and interview key characters in his life, has surpassed my expectations.
What made Bob tick is probably unanswerable but viewers will certainly feel that they know him a little better after seeing our documentary. I am grateful to the Marley family for entrusting me with their heritage,
Macdonald said.
So, as you see, Macdonald will have the full cooperation of the Marley family.
He was chosen by the film’s executive producers including Marley’s son Ziggy,...
- 2/3/2011
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Exclusive: NBC Universal International has acquired independent U.K. production company Monkey Kingdom. The pact represents the first acquisition at NBCU International by the company's TV production president Michael Edelstein. It also marks the third production venture for NBCU International following the 2008 acquisition of Carnival Film & Television and the launch earlier this year of Wttv, NBCU's joint venture with Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. It is part of NBCU International's expansion under president Peter Smith as NBCU looks to achieve $5 billion in non-us revenues. Under the terms of the agreement, NBCU International will acquire 100% of Monkey Kingdom as well as its library rights. Monkey Kingdom was founded in 2001 by veteran producers David Granger and Will Macdonald. The company, whose main focus is in the unscripted area, has produced such series as The Charlotte Church Show, Comedy Roasts, My Kind Of Town, Make My Day, The Passions of Girls Aloud and Newlyweds.
- 11/16/2010
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
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