Paramount Global needs to (further) reduce its staff size to compete in today’s cutthroat media landscape. Perhaps it could start by trimming a few CEOs.
After Bob Bakish was unceremoniously (but richly) exited from the company, Paramount went with an “Office of the CEO” setup, the trio of George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins. Those three, with a lead-in from controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, ran Paramount Global’s 2024 Investor Day presentation — and a brief (and very rehearsed) Q&a — on Tuesday.
Redstone’s is the final signature required for Paramount to be merged with Skydance; a formal announcement is likely in the coming days. Until then, mum is the word on that pending deal — and Paramount Global must present to investors like the offer doesn’t exist.
Coincidentally, the three men have a three-part plan to turn around this Titanic (and maybe even tow its pieces back to...
After Bob Bakish was unceremoniously (but richly) exited from the company, Paramount went with an “Office of the CEO” setup, the trio of George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins. Those three, with a lead-in from controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, ran Paramount Global’s 2024 Investor Day presentation — and a brief (and very rehearsed) Q&a — on Tuesday.
Redstone’s is the final signature required for Paramount to be merged with Skydance; a formal announcement is likely in the coming days. Until then, mum is the word on that pending deal — and Paramount Global must present to investors like the offer doesn’t exist.
Coincidentally, the three men have a three-part plan to turn around this Titanic (and maybe even tow its pieces back to...
- 6/4/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Paramount Global’s new leadership team set out their strategic priorities for the company, including $500m in cost savings, selling non-core assets and exploring streaming joint ventures with other media companies.
The plan was presented at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders today (June 4) by its recently established Office of the CEO, which took over from Bob Bakish in April.
The Office of the CEO comprises: George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
The presentation...
The plan was presented at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders today (June 4) by its recently established Office of the CEO, which took over from Bob Bakish in April.
The Office of the CEO comprises: George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
The presentation...
- 6/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
As Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone mulls the terms of a merger between her conglom and Skydance, the network/studio/streaming service trotted out their best and brightest CEO troika this early Am in annual global stockholders meet to tout their hit parade of 14 billion dollar revenue earning franchises across all mediums, their assurance to cut $500 million in overhead, and maximize shareholder value and profits.
With Skydance’s David Ellison knocking on Paramount Global’s door with former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell in tow to execute their own strategy, today’s presentation by Brian Robbins, President & CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon; George Cheeks, President & CEO of CBS; and Chris McCarthy, President & CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, was a bullhorn to shareholders that this administration has their stuff together, to prevent any possible nosediving of the stock currently, but also an underscoring that the trio...
With Skydance’s David Ellison knocking on Paramount Global’s door with former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell in tow to execute their own strategy, today’s presentation by Brian Robbins, President & CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon; George Cheeks, President & CEO of CBS; and Chris McCarthy, President & CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, was a bullhorn to shareholders that this administration has their stuff together, to prevent any possible nosediving of the stock currently, but also an underscoring that the trio...
- 6/4/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Investors in Paramount Global are waiting for word on whether the latest merger offer from Skydance Media is a go. But they didn’t get any update at the media conglomerate’s awkwardly timed annual shareholders meeting Tuesday.
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at the end of April for the ousted Bob Bakish: CBS’s George Cheeks, Paramount Pictures’ Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, head of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.
“While we recognize this is not a traditional management structure,” Redstone said, the three-in-a-box leadership team is intended to help the company “move...
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at the end of April for the ousted Bob Bakish: CBS’s George Cheeks, Paramount Pictures’ Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, head of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.
“While we recognize this is not a traditional management structure,” Redstone said, the three-in-a-box leadership team is intended to help the company “move...
- 6/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
“I don’t want to be a market failure,” which is “what’s happening around the world” to public service broadcasters, BBC boss Tim Davie told Deloitte’s Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference in London on Tuesday. “It’s scary,” he said, speaking of a “red alert situation” in many parts of the world.
Davie in an appearance lauded the U.K. production sector for its success, but also noted that “many decisions we make are uneconomic.” That said, while the goal is to continue making and airing hit shows that audiences enjoy and love, “we don’t have to make the numbers work on every single show” as a public broadcaster to ensure important, educative and other shows make it to the screen, he emphasized.
“We have a rich history of working together” with other companies, Davie said about the BBC, as well as other U.K. public broadcasters.
Davie in an appearance lauded the U.K. production sector for its success, but also noted that “many decisions we make are uneconomic.” That said, while the goal is to continue making and airing hit shows that audiences enjoy and love, “we don’t have to make the numbers work on every single show” as a public broadcaster to ensure important, educative and other shows make it to the screen, he emphasized.
“We have a rich history of working together” with other companies, Davie said about the BBC, as well as other U.K. public broadcasters.
- 6/4/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
According to reports, the future of Paramount has finally been decided, with Skydance Media merging with the famous old studio in a deal worth $8bn.
It’s been a long time coming but the future of Paramount Pictures and its parent company Paramount Global has seemingly been decided. As has long been suspected, the company will be merging with Skydance Media in a deal which is set to be worth around $8bn.
So what does this mean for the future of Paramount Pictures, a storied Hollywood institution? Shari Redstone – the controlling stakeholder in Paramount Global – is said to have favoured the Skydance Media bid over a competing bid that reportedly involved Sony) because Skydance had expressed a desire to keep the company whole rather than purchasing it and then selling off its assets. She’s taken a lower price to ensure this happens, and fair play to her. Even though...
It’s been a long time coming but the future of Paramount Pictures and its parent company Paramount Global has seemingly been decided. As has long been suspected, the company will be merging with Skydance Media in a deal which is set to be worth around $8bn.
So what does this mean for the future of Paramount Pictures, a storied Hollywood institution? Shari Redstone – the controlling stakeholder in Paramount Global – is said to have favoured the Skydance Media bid over a competing bid that reportedly involved Sony) because Skydance had expressed a desire to keep the company whole rather than purchasing it and then selling off its assets. She’s taken a lower price to ensure this happens, and fair play to her. Even though...
- 6/4/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Und nun doch Skydance: Wie u. a. der gut informierte Filmindustrie-Journalist Matt Belloni in Puck berichtet, muss nur noch National-Amusements-Chefin Shari Redstone endgültig grünes Licht geben, dann kann David Ellison nach einem letzten nachgebesserten Angebot für die B-Aktionäre Paramount Global übernehmen.
Shari Redstone trifft die finale Entscheidung (Credit: Imago / Avalon.red)
Der Deal als solcher sei unter Dach und Fach, lassen die ersten Entertainment-Blogger wissen. Etwas mehr als einen Monat, nachdem das exklusive Verhandlungsfenster für Skydance um eine Übernahme von Paramount Global ausgelaufen war und es so ausgesehen hatte, als würde David Ellison mit seinem beim Aufsichtsrat wenig geliebten Angebot den Kürzeren ziehen, wird sich die junge Finanzierungs- und Produktionsfirma, die längst hinter den großen Marken von Paramount steht, zuletzt „Mission: Impossible“ und „Transformers“, nun doch durchsetzen. Während Sony/Apollo mit ihrem gerade noch so attraktiv erscheinenden Angebot wohl den Kürzeren zieht, hat Ellison die Oberhand gewonnen.
Nach Informationen des...
Shari Redstone trifft die finale Entscheidung (Credit: Imago / Avalon.red)
Der Deal als solcher sei unter Dach und Fach, lassen die ersten Entertainment-Blogger wissen. Etwas mehr als einen Monat, nachdem das exklusive Verhandlungsfenster für Skydance um eine Übernahme von Paramount Global ausgelaufen war und es so ausgesehen hatte, als würde David Ellison mit seinem beim Aufsichtsrat wenig geliebten Angebot den Kürzeren ziehen, wird sich die junge Finanzierungs- und Produktionsfirma, die längst hinter den großen Marken von Paramount steht, zuletzt „Mission: Impossible“ und „Transformers“, nun doch durchsetzen. Während Sony/Apollo mit ihrem gerade noch so attraktiv erscheinenden Angebot wohl den Kürzeren zieht, hat Ellison die Oberhand gewonnen.
Nach Informationen des...
- 6/4/2024
- by Thomas Schultze
- Spot - Media & Film
Paramount Global shares rose 7.5% to close at $12.80 Monday on the news that a long-awaited merger with Skydance Media moved closer to completion.
The company’s stock has declined markedly in recent years, falling to about one-third of its level in late-2019, when the reunion of CBS and Viacom became official. As various M&a scenarios circulated over the past three months, however, including a now-less-likely transaction involving Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity giant Apollo, the shares have risen almost 30%. Monday’s spike, on higher-than-average trading volume, showed investor’s continued belief in the near-term upside of an acquisition.
Skydance has been in talks for months with Shari Redstone’s National Amusements Inc., which controls 77% of Paramount’s voting shares but only 10% of its equity. The David Ellison-led suitor appears to have largely satisfied many initial critics who viewed his previous offers as sweetheart deals for Redstone. According to multiple press reports,...
The company’s stock has declined markedly in recent years, falling to about one-third of its level in late-2019, when the reunion of CBS and Viacom became official. As various M&a scenarios circulated over the past three months, however, including a now-less-likely transaction involving Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity giant Apollo, the shares have risen almost 30%. Monday’s spike, on higher-than-average trading volume, showed investor’s continued belief in the near-term upside of an acquisition.
Skydance has been in talks for months with Shari Redstone’s National Amusements Inc., which controls 77% of Paramount’s voting shares but only 10% of its equity. The David Ellison-led suitor appears to have largely satisfied many initial critics who viewed his previous offers as sweetheart deals for Redstone. According to multiple press reports,...
- 6/3/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements owns a controlling interest in Paramount Pictures parent Paramount Global, is reportedly weighing up a modified takeover offer of around $8bn from David Ellison’s Skydance Media and his backers RedBird Capital.
On the eve of Paramount Global’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, CNBC reported that the latest offer would see Redstone receive $2bn for National Amusements, while Skydance would pay $4.5bn to buy out half of Paramount Global Class B shareholders at $15 per share.
Skydance and RedBird have reportedly offered to pay $1.5bn in cash to reduce Paramount Global debt.
The overall deal...
On the eve of Paramount Global’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, CNBC reported that the latest offer would see Redstone receive $2bn for National Amusements, while Skydance would pay $4.5bn to buy out half of Paramount Global Class B shareholders at $15 per share.
Skydance and RedBird have reportedly offered to pay $1.5bn in cash to reduce Paramount Global debt.
The overall deal...
- 6/3/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paramount: Now (finally) Under New Ownership! A special committee at the company has approved a deal that will merge Paramount Global with Skydance after David Ellison acquires National Amusements, Inc. (Nai) for about $2 billion.
The National Amusements theater chain has a controlling interest in Paramount. Skydance Media CEO Ellison is paying for that control, and then he’ll make Paramount buy his production company.
All told, it is expected to cost Ellison and his financial backers at RedBird Capital Partners in the ballpark of $8 billion to make this happen, as first reported by CNBC’s David Faber. On top of Shari Redstone’s $2 billion for her family’s Nai, $4.5 billion more will go to current Paramount shareholders; another $1.5 billion in cash will be contributed to Paramount’s balance sheet. The numbers are pretty fresh and could still change some, a person with knowledge of the goings-on tells IndieWire.
The...
The National Amusements theater chain has a controlling interest in Paramount. Skydance Media CEO Ellison is paying for that control, and then he’ll make Paramount buy his production company.
All told, it is expected to cost Ellison and his financial backers at RedBird Capital Partners in the ballpark of $8 billion to make this happen, as first reported by CNBC’s David Faber. On top of Shari Redstone’s $2 billion for her family’s Nai, $4.5 billion more will go to current Paramount shareholders; another $1.5 billion in cash will be contributed to Paramount’s balance sheet. The numbers are pretty fresh and could still change some, a person with knowledge of the goings-on tells IndieWire.
The...
- 6/3/2024
- by Brian Welk and Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Paramount Global’s months-long M&a drama may soon be coming to a conclusion.
The special committee established by Paramount Global’s board of directors to evaluate M&a proposals has reached an agreement with David Ellison’s Skydance Media and his private-equity backers on the terms of a complicated deal that would merge Skydance and Paramount while keeping Paramount publicly traded, Variety has confirmed. Skydance and its partners, RedBird Capital and Kkr, sweetened the original buyout offer to make it more attractive to nonvoting shareholders of Paramount Global.
Now, the deal awaits approval by Shari Redstone, non-executive chair of Paramount Global, whose National Amusements Inc. owns 77% of the voting shares in Paramount Global. Redstone has not officially decided whether or not to go forward on the deal, sources said — and the terms of the Skydance-nai part of the agreement have yet to be worked out. If she does agree, it...
The special committee established by Paramount Global’s board of directors to evaluate M&a proposals has reached an agreement with David Ellison’s Skydance Media and his private-equity backers on the terms of a complicated deal that would merge Skydance and Paramount while keeping Paramount publicly traded, Variety has confirmed. Skydance and its partners, RedBird Capital and Kkr, sweetened the original buyout offer to make it more attractive to nonvoting shareholders of Paramount Global.
Now, the deal awaits approval by Shari Redstone, non-executive chair of Paramount Global, whose National Amusements Inc. owns 77% of the voting shares in Paramount Global. Redstone has not officially decided whether or not to go forward on the deal, sources said — and the terms of the Skydance-nai part of the agreement have yet to be worked out. If she does agree, it...
- 6/3/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Late last year, there were rumblings of a possible merger being considered with two movie studio giants — Warner Bros. and Paramount. It was reported that Zaslav met with Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish in New York City to discuss a possible merger. The potential merger would bring many iconic entertainment franchises under one roof, including Star Trek, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Transformers, Mission: Impossible, DC, and more. It would also likely see the two streaming services — Max and Paramount+ — combine in order to more effectively challenge Netflix and Disney+.
Wall Street analysts were skeptical of that deal and knew that both companies would have to jump through significant hurdles in order for the deal to go through. That deal would ultimately fall through, but the New York Post is now reporting on a merger that has been sealed. Paramount and Skydance have just agreed to terms that will see both...
Wall Street analysts were skeptical of that deal and knew that both companies would have to jump through significant hurdles in order for the deal to go through. That deal would ultimately fall through, but the New York Post is now reporting on a merger that has been sealed. Paramount and Skydance have just agreed to terms that will see both...
- 6/3/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Skydance juiced the amount of money non-voting shareholders would get for their Paramount stock in its latest proposal.
Just when Skydance thought it was out, Paramount pulled the production company back in. According to The Wall Street Journal, merger and acquisition talks between the two sides reignited last week after Skydance sweetened its offer to provide substantial compensation for non-voting shareholders. Now, CNBC’s David Faber reports that Skydance is ready to announce that it will take over the entertainment conglomerate.
Key Details: Skydance improved its offer to include a purchase of some non-voting shares for $15 each, a 26% premium over the stock’s current value. Paramount’s special M&a committee has officially endorsed the deal ahead of the annual shareholders meeting. **The Skydance offer would keep Paramount as one cohesive company, as opposed to the Sony/Apollo bid. 7-Day Free Trial $5.99+ / month ParamountPlus.com
For a limited time, get 50% off...
Just when Skydance thought it was out, Paramount pulled the production company back in. According to The Wall Street Journal, merger and acquisition talks between the two sides reignited last week after Skydance sweetened its offer to provide substantial compensation for non-voting shareholders. Now, CNBC’s David Faber reports that Skydance is ready to announce that it will take over the entertainment conglomerate.
Key Details: Skydance improved its offer to include a purchase of some non-voting shares for $15 each, a 26% premium over the stock’s current value. Paramount’s special M&a committee has officially endorsed the deal ahead of the annual shareholders meeting. **The Skydance offer would keep Paramount as one cohesive company, as opposed to the Sony/Apollo bid. 7-Day Free Trial $5.99+ / month ParamountPlus.com
For a limited time, get 50% off...
- 6/3/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Vor Wochenfrist hat sich Skydance im Bieterwettstreit um Paramount Global zurückgemeldet. Kurz vor der Paramount-Hauptversammlung am morgigen Dienstag sind jetzt neue Details zum überarbeiteten Angebot bekannt geworden.
Skydance-Gründer und -Chef David Ellison (Credit: Imago / TheNews2)
Wenige Tage, nachdem sich Skydance im Bieterwettstreit um Paramount Global zurückgemeldet hat, sind jetzt neue Details zu dem überarbeiteten Angebot bekannt geworden – kurz vor der morgen stattfindenden Hauptversammlung von Paramount Global.
Wie US-Wirtschaftsmedien berichten, sollen die nicht-stimmberechtigten Aktionäre von Paramount Global 15 Dollar pro Aktie erhalten; das entspricht in etwa einem Plus von 26 Prozent gegenüber dem Schlusskurs vom gestrigen Sonntag. Darüber hinaus wolle Skydance zunächst National Amusements, das 80 Prozent der stimmberechtigten Aktien von Paramount Global, aber nur rund zehn Prozent von dessen Aktienwert kontrolliert, übernehmen. In einem zweiten Schritt soll Paramount Global dann mit entsprechenden Barmitteln ausgestattet werden, um dann seinerseits Skydance zu übernehmen. Die Berichte wurden weder von Skydance, noch von Paramount Global oder National Amusements kommentiert.
Skydance-Gründer und -Chef David Ellison (Credit: Imago / TheNews2)
Wenige Tage, nachdem sich Skydance im Bieterwettstreit um Paramount Global zurückgemeldet hat, sind jetzt neue Details zu dem überarbeiteten Angebot bekannt geworden – kurz vor der morgen stattfindenden Hauptversammlung von Paramount Global.
Wie US-Wirtschaftsmedien berichten, sollen die nicht-stimmberechtigten Aktionäre von Paramount Global 15 Dollar pro Aktie erhalten; das entspricht in etwa einem Plus von 26 Prozent gegenüber dem Schlusskurs vom gestrigen Sonntag. Darüber hinaus wolle Skydance zunächst National Amusements, das 80 Prozent der stimmberechtigten Aktien von Paramount Global, aber nur rund zehn Prozent von dessen Aktienwert kontrolliert, übernehmen. In einem zweiten Schritt soll Paramount Global dann mit entsprechenden Barmitteln ausgestattet werden, um dann seinerseits Skydance zu übernehmen. Die Berichte wurden weder von Skydance, noch von Paramount Global oder National Amusements kommentiert.
- 6/3/2024
- by Jochen Müller
- Spot - Media & Film
Updated with new timeline. Paramount Global and Skydance have agreed to terms on a merger, a person familiar with the deal talks has confirmed to Deadline, with Paramount controlling shareholder Shari Redstone taking a final look.
CNBC reported the stepped-up timeline earlier Monday. As Deadline and other media outlets reported over the weekend, a revised offer from Skydance had gained more traction, though it did not initially appear likely that anything would be firmed up before Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting. That event was already set to be a significant one, with the three executives sharing the Office of the CEO laying out their strategic plans for the company.
Redstone, through National Amusements, controls 77% of the voting shares of Paramount.
Previously:
As Paramount Global approaches Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting and a high-stakes town hall for employees the following day, new details are emerging about Skydance Media’s latest acquisition offer.
CNBC reported the stepped-up timeline earlier Monday. As Deadline and other media outlets reported over the weekend, a revised offer from Skydance had gained more traction, though it did not initially appear likely that anything would be firmed up before Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting. That event was already set to be a significant one, with the three executives sharing the Office of the CEO laying out their strategic plans for the company.
Redstone, through National Amusements, controls 77% of the voting shares of Paramount.
Previously:
As Paramount Global approaches Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting and a high-stakes town hall for employees the following day, new details are emerging about Skydance Media’s latest acquisition offer.
- 6/2/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global’s independent special committee agreed to recommend a revised offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media, paving a way for the potential merger of his production company with the struggling media conglomerate, according to the Wall Street Journal and other media reports.
The decision, which follows months of negotiations, now puts the fate of the media conglomerate in the hands of controlling shareholder Shari Redstone.
Representatives for Paramount and Skydance declined to comment.
Under Skydance’s initial two-step plan, the company offered around $2 billion to acquire Redstone’s National Amusements, which owns 77% of Paramount’s class A voting stock and 5.2% of its class B common stock. The second step would then see Skydance merge with Paramount to create a combined company valued at around $5 billion.
An individual familiar with the plan previously told TheWrap that former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Skydance’s chief creative officer Dana Goldberg...
The decision, which follows months of negotiations, now puts the fate of the media conglomerate in the hands of controlling shareholder Shari Redstone.
Representatives for Paramount and Skydance declined to comment.
Under Skydance’s initial two-step plan, the company offered around $2 billion to acquire Redstone’s National Amusements, which owns 77% of Paramount’s class A voting stock and 5.2% of its class B common stock. The second step would then see Skydance merge with Paramount to create a combined company valued at around $5 billion.
An individual familiar with the plan previously told TheWrap that former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Skydance’s chief creative officer Dana Goldberg...
- 5/31/2024
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Skydance Media has submitted an improved offer for Paramount Global, according to reports.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the new offer which comes with improved terms for both voting and non-voting Paramount shareholders, and provides more cash. No specific details were provided.
The offer is the latest in a protracted series of negotiations for Paramount Global, home to Paramount Pictures film studio, the CBS broadcast network and cable networks such as Nickelodeon and MTV.
Skydance is led by David Ellison, the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. In January, it made a preliminary offer to buy National Amusements,...
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the new offer which comes with improved terms for both voting and non-voting Paramount shareholders, and provides more cash. No specific details were provided.
The offer is the latest in a protracted series of negotiations for Paramount Global, home to Paramount Pictures film studio, the CBS broadcast network and cable networks such as Nickelodeon and MTV.
Skydance is led by David Ellison, the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. In January, it made a preliminary offer to buy National Amusements,...
- 5/31/2024
- ScreenDaily
Mit einem nachgebesserten Angebot kehrt Skydance jetzt wieder zurück in das Bieterrennen um Paramount Global und hofft damit, die bisher betont unzufriedenen stimmrechtslosen Klasse-b-Aktionäre des Unternehmens auf seine Seite zu holen. Das berichtet das Wall Street Journal.
David Ellison kehrt zurück an den Verhandlungstisch (Credit: Imago / TheNews2)
Während die Gespräche zwischen Sony/Apollo und National Amusements über einen Kauf von Paramount Global nach Aussage von Tony Vinciquerra, CEO von Sony Pictures Entertainment, voranschreiten, kehrt nach einem Bericht des Wall Street Journals nun auch Skydance Media zurück an den Bietertisch. Die Firma von David Ellison, die lange als Favorit für die Übernahme des Traditionsstudios gegolten hatte, den Paramount-Vorstand aber mit seinen Angeboten nicht überzeugen konnte, legt ein neu überarbeitetes Angebot vor, um das Pendel wieder in seine Richtung schlagen zu lassen.
Demnach würde der Betrag, den Skydance und seine Finanzpartner an Shari Redstone, Paramounts Hauptaktionärin, zahlen würden, reduziert und gerechter...
David Ellison kehrt zurück an den Verhandlungstisch (Credit: Imago / TheNews2)
Während die Gespräche zwischen Sony/Apollo und National Amusements über einen Kauf von Paramount Global nach Aussage von Tony Vinciquerra, CEO von Sony Pictures Entertainment, voranschreiten, kehrt nach einem Bericht des Wall Street Journals nun auch Skydance Media zurück an den Bietertisch. Die Firma von David Ellison, die lange als Favorit für die Übernahme des Traditionsstudios gegolten hatte, den Paramount-Vorstand aber mit seinen Angeboten nicht überzeugen konnte, legt ein neu überarbeitetes Angebot vor, um das Pendel wieder in seine Richtung schlagen zu lassen.
Demnach würde der Betrag, den Skydance und seine Finanzpartner an Shari Redstone, Paramounts Hauptaktionärin, zahlen würden, reduziert und gerechter...
- 5/31/2024
- by Thomas Schultze
- Spot - Media & Film
After months of on-again-off-again haggling, Skydance Media submitted a newly revised offer for Paramount Global. The revised bid would reduce the amount Skydance and its financial partners would pay Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, and reallocate that more equitably to the company’s nonvoting Class B shareholders, Variety has confirmed. Skydance would also put in more cash upfront to swing the deal, sources said.
The special committee established by Paramount’s board is currently reviewing Skydance’s revised proposal, sources said. Reps for Skydance and Paramount Global declined to comment. Reps for Nai and the Paramount board’s special committee did not respond to requests for comment. Skydance’s sweetened offer for Paramount was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The broad outlines remain the same on the offer from Skydance, headed by producer David Ellison, and financial backers RedBird Capital Partners and Kkr. Redstone would sell her stake in National Amusements Inc.
The special committee established by Paramount’s board is currently reviewing Skydance’s revised proposal, sources said. Reps for Skydance and Paramount Global declined to comment. Reps for Nai and the Paramount board’s special committee did not respond to requests for comment. Skydance’s sweetened offer for Paramount was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The broad outlines remain the same on the offer from Skydance, headed by producer David Ellison, and financial backers RedBird Capital Partners and Kkr. Redstone would sell her stake in National Amusements Inc.
- 5/30/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
David Ellison’s Skydance has sweetened its offer to acquire Paramount Global, Deadline has learned, in an attempt to make it more palatable to the company’s Class B stockholders after they trashed the outlines of a previous deal and threatened to sue.
Ellison’s original offer was to buy out Par’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone for a significant premium, resulting in a windfall for her, and then merge Skydance into Paramount keeping the combined company public. Stockholders wanted to be bought out at a premium as well.
Skydance, backed by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital, sweetened the offer once late last month — offering to buy out a certain number of shares from stockholders other than Redstone — as an exclusive monthlong negotiating period with Par ended. But it wasn’t enough to woo holders of the Class B non-voting stock, who are the majority of shareholders,...
Ellison’s original offer was to buy out Par’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone for a significant premium, resulting in a windfall for her, and then merge Skydance into Paramount keeping the combined company public. Stockholders wanted to be bought out at a premium as well.
Skydance, backed by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital, sweetened the offer once late last month — offering to buy out a certain number of shares from stockholders other than Redstone — as an exclusive monthlong negotiating period with Par ended. But it wasn’t enough to woo holders of the Class B non-voting stock, who are the majority of shareholders,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s that time of year again!
The old guard in media and finance and the tech innovators disrupting them are gearing up to hit Allen & Co.’s leadership retreat Sun Valley – where private jets sit bumper-to-bumper and power is carved up and handed out among global players. It’s an ultra-secretive event for the one-percent set (think Davos with higher fences).
But Variety can exclusively report that the guest list for the Idaho gathering includes National Amusements president Shari Redstone — in the thick of a deal to sell Paramount Global and with it her family’s media empire to Skydance — as well as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Hollywood super-producer Jason Blum. They join veterans like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Bob Iger, Amazon’s Andy Jassy and Jeff Bezos, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Apple’s Tim Cook and Netflix co-ceo’s Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters.
The old guard in media and finance and the tech innovators disrupting them are gearing up to hit Allen & Co.’s leadership retreat Sun Valley – where private jets sit bumper-to-bumper and power is carved up and handed out among global players. It’s an ultra-secretive event for the one-percent set (think Davos with higher fences).
But Variety can exclusively report that the guest list for the Idaho gathering includes National Amusements president Shari Redstone — in the thick of a deal to sell Paramount Global and with it her family’s media empire to Skydance — as well as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Hollywood super-producer Jason Blum. They join veterans like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Bob Iger, Amazon’s Andy Jassy and Jeff Bezos, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Apple’s Tim Cook and Netflix co-ceo’s Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters.
- 5/30/2024
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
For nearly two weeks it’s been crickets when it comes to the push and pull between Skydance and Sony Pictures Entertainment/Apollo over Paramount Global.
However, making some noise during a Sony investor event tonight (tomorrow morning Tokyo time) was Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra. The chief executive presented business highlights and took some questions, as did the giant conglom’s other division heads.
Analysts didn’t ask about Sony’s desire for Paramount Global, nor did Vinciquerra spill any beans about the elephant in the room. But he did hint at something when asked on the call about investment strategy.
“We are looking for strategic investments … that complement our strategy. We are not going to go outside the strategy that has been enormously successful for us over the past several years,” he said. “We will not make investments that don’t complement our core strategy, and our...
However, making some noise during a Sony investor event tonight (tomorrow morning Tokyo time) was Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra. The chief executive presented business highlights and took some questions, as did the giant conglom’s other division heads.
Analysts didn’t ask about Sony’s desire for Paramount Global, nor did Vinciquerra spill any beans about the elephant in the room. But he did hint at something when asked on the call about investment strategy.
“We are looking for strategic investments … that complement our strategy. We are not going to go outside the strategy that has been enormously successful for us over the past several years,” he said. “We will not make investments that don’t complement our core strategy, and our...
- 5/30/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
In a highly anticipated announcement, Paramount Global and Charter Communications said they’re extending their longstanding partnership with a multi-year distribution agreement for Paramount’s full portfolio of linear cable networks, CBS owned-and-operated broadcast stations and direct-to-consumer streaming services.
In addition to CBS, subscribers to Charter’s Spectrum will keep BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, as well as premium service Paramount+ with Showtime.
In a new twist that echoes Charter’s landmark deal with Disney last year, the agreement calls for the ad-supported versions of Paramount’s direct-to-consumer services, Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential to be included at no additional cost to Charter’s Spectrum TV customers. Charter also will make Paramount’s direct-to-consumer products available for purchase to its Internet-only customers.
But unlike the Disney pact, Charter is not dropping any cable networks. Its Disney deal eliminated Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney Xd, Freeform, Fxm, Fxx,...
In addition to CBS, subscribers to Charter’s Spectrum will keep BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, as well as premium service Paramount+ with Showtime.
In a new twist that echoes Charter’s landmark deal with Disney last year, the agreement calls for the ad-supported versions of Paramount’s direct-to-consumer services, Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential to be included at no additional cost to Charter’s Spectrum TV customers. Charter also will make Paramount’s direct-to-consumer products available for purchase to its Internet-only customers.
But unlike the Disney pact, Charter is not dropping any cable networks. Its Disney deal eliminated Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney Xd, Freeform, Fxm, Fxx,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global and Charter Communications announced that they reached a new multiyear distribution deal covering Paramount’s full portfolio of linear cable TV networks, CBS owned stations — and will for the first time include Paramount+ and BET+ streaming services.
The two companies’ previous carriage pact expired April 30. The parties temporarily extended that while they hashed out a new agreement, thereby avoiding a blackout of Paramount’s networks on Charter, currently the U.S.’s largest pay-tv provider.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The deal will keep CBS and cable channels including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Paramount Network — home to hit series “Yellowstone” — on Charter’s Spectrum TV service. The renewal also covers the premium linear TV service Paramount+ With Showtime (which confusingly has the same name as the direct-to-consumer streamer).
As part of the deal, the ad-supported versions of Paramount’s Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential will be...
The two companies’ previous carriage pact expired April 30. The parties temporarily extended that while they hashed out a new agreement, thereby avoiding a blackout of Paramount’s networks on Charter, currently the U.S.’s largest pay-tv provider.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The deal will keep CBS and cable channels including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Paramount Network — home to hit series “Yellowstone” — on Charter’s Spectrum TV service. The renewal also covers the premium linear TV service Paramount+ With Showtime (which confusingly has the same name as the direct-to-consumer streamer).
As part of the deal, the ad-supported versions of Paramount’s Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential will be...
- 5/23/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
We don’t know very much about The Gorge, the latest film from Sinister, The Black Phone, and Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson. Announced a year and a half ago, it’s an Apple Original Film coming our way from Skydance Productions and has Anya Taylor-Joy (Furiosa) and Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick) in the lead roles – and it has just earned a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association ratings board for intense sequences of violence and action, brief strong language, some suggestive material and thematic elements.
Taylor-Joy recently told the folks at Collider that she was drawn to The Gorge because “I was really excited to work with Miles [Teller]. We’re all good friends, but we’ve been wanting to work together for a really long time. I think I was intrigued by the fact that it was semi genre-less in the sense that it was both a...
Taylor-Joy recently told the folks at Collider that she was drawn to The Gorge because “I was really excited to work with Miles [Teller]. We’re all good friends, but we’ve been wanting to work together for a really long time. I think I was intrigued by the fact that it was semi genre-less in the sense that it was both a...
- 5/22/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Troubled Hollywood conglomerate Paramount Global is scaling back its wide-ranging partnership with Korean entertainment leader Cj Enm, Variety has learned.
The deal was initially struck in December 2021 (when Paramount Global was called ViacomCBS) and was described at the time as “a global content deal encompassing coproductions for original TV shows and films as well as content licensing and distribution across the companies’ streaming services.”
The Paramount+ streaming service, currently housed within the Cj Enm-controlled Tving streaming platform, is to become unavailable from June 19, Tving has informed subscribers. Paramount+ began operating on Tving, as a free-of-charge addition for existing subscribers, in June 2022.
“Tving and Paramount+ have decided not to renew their partnership,” a Paramount Global spokesperson confirmed to Variety.
“In line with our respective business strategies, we have decided together to end the ‘Paramount+ Branded Pavilion’ service on June 18th. Going forward, Tving will strive to secure various businesses to increase user satisfaction,...
The deal was initially struck in December 2021 (when Paramount Global was called ViacomCBS) and was described at the time as “a global content deal encompassing coproductions for original TV shows and films as well as content licensing and distribution across the companies’ streaming services.”
The Paramount+ streaming service, currently housed within the Cj Enm-controlled Tving streaming platform, is to become unavailable from June 19, Tving has informed subscribers. Paramount+ began operating on Tving, as a free-of-charge addition for existing subscribers, in June 2022.
“Tving and Paramount+ have decided not to renew their partnership,” a Paramount Global spokesperson confirmed to Variety.
“In line with our respective business strategies, we have decided together to end the ‘Paramount+ Branded Pavilion’ service on June 18th. Going forward, Tving will strive to secure various businesses to increase user satisfaction,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Patrick Frater and Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
It’s been less than two years since TV exec Matt Thunell left Netflix to become president of Skydance Television. And in that time, Thunell — who previously ran spectacle and event programming at the streamer — has completed his first major assignment from Skydance boss David Ellison and chief creative officer Dana Goldberg: doubling their TV series output.
Today, Skydance has five series in active production: Amazon’s “Reacher” and “Cross,” Netflix’s “Fubar,” Apple TV+’s’ “Foundation” and “The Big Door Prize,” as well as five new series orders setup across Amazon, Apple TV+ and Netflix, including a comedy, a YA series, an action series starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham, and a bull rider project led by Tim McGraw.
Skydance Television has also signed a first-look TV deal with filmmakers Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood’s Undisputed Cinema. The partners are about to sell their first series from the producing couple,...
Today, Skydance has five series in active production: Amazon’s “Reacher” and “Cross,” Netflix’s “Fubar,” Apple TV+’s’ “Foundation” and “The Big Door Prize,” as well as five new series orders setup across Amazon, Apple TV+ and Netflix, including a comedy, a YA series, an action series starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham, and a bull rider project led by Tim McGraw.
Skydance Television has also signed a first-look TV deal with filmmakers Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood’s Undisputed Cinema. The partners are about to sell their first series from the producing couple,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
The longer the Paramount sale process drags out, the less likely it appears any major transactions surrounding the company will take place.
The merger and acquisition talks surrounding Paramount Global continue, but the company’s options are beginning to narrow. The first company to make a meaningful pursuit of Paramount was David Ellison’s Skydance, and when the two sides entered an exclusive negotiating period in April, many observers thought a deal was just a matter of time. During that window, Sony teamed up with the private equity firm Apollo Global Management to craft a $26 billion all-cash bid, in case Paramount and Skydance’s talks came to naught. Since the exclusive window with Skydance has lapsed, Paramount’s board has been considering the Sony/Apollo offer and, a new report from Bloomberg, it appears that things are moving forward as the two sides have signed a non-disclosure agreement. However, there...
The merger and acquisition talks surrounding Paramount Global continue, but the company’s options are beginning to narrow. The first company to make a meaningful pursuit of Paramount was David Ellison’s Skydance, and when the two sides entered an exclusive negotiating period in April, many observers thought a deal was just a matter of time. During that window, Sony teamed up with the private equity firm Apollo Global Management to craft a $26 billion all-cash bid, in case Paramount and Skydance’s talks came to naught. Since the exclusive window with Skydance has lapsed, Paramount’s board has been considering the Sony/Apollo offer and, a new report from Bloomberg, it appears that things are moving forward as the two sides have signed a non-disclosure agreement. However, there...
- 5/20/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Sony Pictures and private equity firm Apollo have signed non-disclosure agreements with Paramount Global, according to reports, suggesting that the companies may be moving closer to a deal to buy the Hollywood studio.
Sony and Apollo are thought to have been in talks with Paramount for the past ten days, since the studio’s 30-day exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance Media expired. Non-disclosure agreements would allow Sony and Apollo to examine financial information about Paramount that is not publicly available.
According to the New York Times, however, Sony and Apollo have now backed away from the $26bn...
Sony and Apollo are thought to have been in talks with Paramount for the past ten days, since the studio’s 30-day exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance Media expired. Non-disclosure agreements would allow Sony and Apollo to examine financial information about Paramount that is not publicly available.
According to the New York Times, however, Sony and Apollo have now backed away from the $26bn...
- 5/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sony has signed an NDA with Paramount Global, a move that will give it access to the books and allow deal talks to move ahead, Deadline hears.
Sony and private equity giant Apollo kicked things off previously with a preliminary bid of $26 billion, but what’s being contemplated now is not that, but something narrower. A look at the books is necessary to move forward in any case.
The non-disclosure agreement comes two weeks after a Paramount’s month-long exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance ended with no deal but the indie studio still hanging in, still interested.
After a few weeks passed with no Sony NDA, there’s was speculation its interest was waning as it considered the significant regulatory hurdles, and that’s possibly what’s at play in looking for a different kind of deal.
Sony just wants the studio. Some industry players believe Apollo...
Sony and private equity giant Apollo kicked things off previously with a preliminary bid of $26 billion, but what’s being contemplated now is not that, but something narrower. A look at the books is necessary to move forward in any case.
The non-disclosure agreement comes two weeks after a Paramount’s month-long exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance ended with no deal but the indie studio still hanging in, still interested.
After a few weeks passed with no Sony NDA, there’s was speculation its interest was waning as it considered the significant regulatory hurdles, and that’s possibly what’s at play in looking for a different kind of deal.
Sony just wants the studio. Some industry players believe Apollo...
- 5/18/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Julia Phelps, Paramount Global’s executive VP and chief communications and corporate marketing officer, is exiting after almost 20 years with the company and predecessor Viacom.
Phelps had long worked with Bob Bakish, who was ousted as CEO of the company last month and replaced by a three-exec committee. Phelps, in a memo to her team Friday that was obtained by Variety, said she will leave Paramount at the end of May. (Read the full memo below.)
According to Phelps’ memo, the company’s marketing and communications group for the time being will report into Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. Robbins is one of the troika of execs in the company’s “Office of the CEO,” alongside George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
The senior management changes at Paramount Global come...
Phelps had long worked with Bob Bakish, who was ousted as CEO of the company last month and replaced by a three-exec committee. Phelps, in a memo to her team Friday that was obtained by Variety, said she will leave Paramount at the end of May. (Read the full memo below.)
According to Phelps’ memo, the company’s marketing and communications group for the time being will report into Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. Robbins is one of the troika of execs in the company’s “Office of the CEO,” alongside George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
The senior management changes at Paramount Global come...
- 5/17/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio are all set to release a new anime series called Suicide Squad Isekai, an anime series based on DC Comics’ Suicide Squad. The show has got the superhero fans all hyped up because the character trailer of the series featuring Harley Quinn makes it look utterly promising.
The Joker and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad Isekai
However, it looks like the DC series is going to receive tough competition as another popular franchise that featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as its lead has announced its own anime series. Well, if you have not guessed already, it’s none other than Terminator, which is going to showcase itself in a brand new avatar, as they are all set to capture the anime industry.
Terminator Franchise Decides To Follow The Footsteps of Suicide Squad Isekai
The Terminator franchise featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most popular sci-fi film franchises of all time.
The Joker and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad Isekai
However, it looks like the DC series is going to receive tough competition as another popular franchise that featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as its lead has announced its own anime series. Well, if you have not guessed already, it’s none other than Terminator, which is going to showcase itself in a brand new avatar, as they are all set to capture the anime industry.
Terminator Franchise Decides To Follow The Footsteps of Suicide Squad Isekai
The Terminator franchise featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most popular sci-fi film franchises of all time.
- 5/15/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
Country music superstar Tim McGraw is adding to his acting resume with a new drama series at Netflix.
Variety has learned that McGraw will star in the untitled series, which is set in the world of competitive bull riding. The official logline for the series states that it follows “a megastar champion (McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
The series, which hails from Skydance Television, was announced as part of Netflix’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Wednesday.
Brandon Camp is the creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner on the series, with Taylor Elmore also serving as co-showrunner and executive producer. McGraw will executive produce along with Tim Staples, Brian Kaplan and Joel Bergvall under their Down Home production banner. David Ellison,...
Variety has learned that McGraw will star in the untitled series, which is set in the world of competitive bull riding. The official logline for the series states that it follows “a megastar champion (McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
The series, which hails from Skydance Television, was announced as part of Netflix’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Wednesday.
Brandon Camp is the creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner on the series, with Taylor Elmore also serving as co-showrunner and executive producer. McGraw will executive produce along with Tim Staples, Brian Kaplan and Joel Bergvall under their Down Home production banner. David Ellison,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Tim McGraw will ride on Netflix.
The streamer has handed a series order to an untitled bull-riding drama starring the 1883 vet, the streamer announced Wednesday as part of its Upfront presentation to advertisers.
More from TVLine3 Body Problem Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix - EPs Promise 'Epic Conclusion' to Sci-Fi SagaAdam Sandler's Happy Gilmore Movie Sequel Lands at NetflixWill Ferrell to Headline (Talladega Nights-Like?) Golf Comedy for Netflix
“Set in the fierce, competitive world of bull riding, the series follows a megastar champion (played by McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young...
The streamer has handed a series order to an untitled bull-riding drama starring the 1883 vet, the streamer announced Wednesday as part of its Upfront presentation to advertisers.
More from TVLine3 Body Problem Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix - EPs Promise 'Epic Conclusion' to Sci-Fi SagaAdam Sandler's Happy Gilmore Movie Sequel Lands at NetflixWill Ferrell to Headline (Talladega Nights-Like?) Golf Comedy for Netflix
“Set in the fierce, competitive world of bull riding, the series follows a megastar champion (played by McGraw) facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young...
- 5/15/2024
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Netflix is adding to its sports docuseries lineup with three new shows centered on the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics as well as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Netflix is doing docuseries on gymnastics great Simone Biles, the U.S. men’s basketball team, and Olympic track athletes, the last of which was ordered last year and is now titled “Sprint.”
The Biles series is titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” and will debut its first part in July ahead of the Summer Games. The series consists of four 45-minute episodes. The official description states:
“Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has joined America’s Team.
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
The streamer said during its upfront today that it is teaming with Skydance Sports, NFL Films and Stardust Frames Productions on the upcoming documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys.
Billed as a “defining” docuseries, the untitled project tells the story of team owner Jerry Jones and his unique journey in transforming the Cowboys franchise, leading a historic set of players and coaches to three NFL titles in the 1990s and searing his imprint into the global sports business landscape. Along the way, Jones has become one of the most innovative and influential leaders in sports, with his team being the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
No premiere date is set for the 10-episode series, which features never-before-seen footage and interviews with 35-year owner, president and general manager Jones along with players, coaches and rivals of the 1990s including Pro Football Hall of Famers Troy Aikman,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim McGraw and Kevin Williamson are the latest creatives to join Netflix.
The streaming giant, during its time wooing Madison Avenue ad buyers as part of the annual upfronts week in New York, announced series pickups for a pair of scripted dramas.
Ordered to series are an untitled bull riding drama starring and exec produced by McGraw; and The Waterfront, a thriller that brings creator Williamson back to North Carolina, where he filmed his breakout hit Dawson’s Creek.
The McGraw vehicle that hails from Skydance Television is set in the competitive world of bull riding and revolves around a “megastar champion (played by McGraw) who faces a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose very existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
Brandon Camp (2018’s Benji) created the series and serves as writer, exec producer and...
The streaming giant, during its time wooing Madison Avenue ad buyers as part of the annual upfronts week in New York, announced series pickups for a pair of scripted dramas.
Ordered to series are an untitled bull riding drama starring and exec produced by McGraw; and The Waterfront, a thriller that brings creator Williamson back to North Carolina, where he filmed his breakout hit Dawson’s Creek.
The McGraw vehicle that hails from Skydance Television is set in the competitive world of bull riding and revolves around a “megastar champion (played by McGraw) who faces a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose very existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past.”
Brandon Camp (2018’s Benji) created the series and serves as writer, exec producer and...
- 5/15/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix is getting into the Olympic spirit with its newest batch of sports documentaries.
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
The streamer has partnered with the International Olympic Committee on three series following gymnastics superstar Simone Biles and athletes in men’s basketball and track and field. Filmmaking teams for the three shows will gain access to the athletes and venues at the summer games in Paris.
Separately, Netflix has ordered a series about the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones, with a focus on the team’s dominant years in the early and mid-1990s. The company made the announcements as part of its first-ever upfront on Wednesday — where it also announced its biggest push into live sports so far with a deal to carry NFL games on Christmas for the next three years.
Biles’ return for her third Olympics will be chronicled in Simone Biles: Rising, which will run in two parts. The first...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan are going on a wild ride with Apple.
The tech giant and streamer has landed 12 12 12, a scripted thriller described as a “contemporary international heist” series. The streamer is nearing a formal series greenlight for the project that will reunite stars Mackie and Dornan after the 2019 feature Synchronic.
12 12 12 takes place over three timelines in a heist — the 12 months of planning to raid a bank vault beneath the streets of Zurich, the 12 hours of the actual heist and the 12 days after it. The drama revolves around an FBI agent (Mackie) and a career criminal (Dornan), who play a cat-and-mouse game across Europe.
Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble (Silent Witness, Wild Bill) created and wrote the series. The duo will exec produce alongside Kari Skogland (Falcon and the Winter Soldier), who will direct the pilot.
The series is a co-production between Anonymous Content and Skydance Television. Mackie, Dornan...
The tech giant and streamer has landed 12 12 12, a scripted thriller described as a “contemporary international heist” series. The streamer is nearing a formal series greenlight for the project that will reunite stars Mackie and Dornan after the 2019 feature Synchronic.
12 12 12 takes place over three timelines in a heist — the 12 months of planning to raid a bank vault beneath the streets of Zurich, the 12 hours of the actual heist and the 12 days after it. The drama revolves around an FBI agent (Mackie) and a career criminal (Dornan), who play a cat-and-mouse game across Europe.
Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble (Silent Witness, Wild Bill) created and wrote the series. The duo will exec produce alongside Kari Skogland (Falcon and the Winter Soldier), who will direct the pilot.
The series is a co-production between Anonymous Content and Skydance Television. Mackie, Dornan...
- 5/15/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan heist series “12 12 12” has landed at Apple TV+ and is nearing a series order, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series was first reported to be on the market back in January. Mackie and Dornan will both star in the series in addition to executive producing.
The official logline for the series states that it follows “a disgraced FBI agent (Mackie) and an American career criminal (Dornan) who play a zero-sum game of cat and mouse across Europe. At the center of it all is the daring, epic raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich.” The series will take place across three timelines — the 12 months prior to the heist, the 12 hours of the heist, and the 12 days after.
The series is created by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, who will also executive produce. Kari Skogland will direct the pilot and executive produce.
The series was first reported to be on the market back in January. Mackie and Dornan will both star in the series in addition to executive producing.
The official logline for the series states that it follows “a disgraced FBI agent (Mackie) and an American career criminal (Dornan) who play a zero-sum game of cat and mouse across Europe. At the center of it all is the daring, epic raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich.” The series will take place across three timelines — the 12 months prior to the heist, the 12 hours of the heist, and the 12 days after.
The series is created by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, who will also executive produce. Kari Skogland will direct the pilot and executive produce.
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
After multiple attempts at kick-starting new trilogies of films have failed, the live-action Terminator film series is, understandably, taking a bit of a break… but the franchise is set to continue with an eight-episode anime series called Terminator Zero, which is coming our way from Japanese animation studio Production Ig and the Netflix streaming service. Terminator Zero is set to start streaming on August 29th – and to start building the hype, a batch of first look images have arrived online today. You can check them out right here in this article.
August 29th was chosen for the release date because the Terminator films told us that the Judgment Day event occurred on August 29, 1997. Coincidentally, that was also the day Marc Randolph and Reed Hasting launched Netflix as an online DVD rental service.
Mattson Tomlin, who worked on the screenplays for The Batman and its upcoming sequel, is writer and showrunner on this series,...
August 29th was chosen for the release date because the Terminator films told us that the Judgment Day event occurred on August 29, 1997. Coincidentally, that was also the day Marc Randolph and Reed Hasting launched Netflix as an online DVD rental service.
Mattson Tomlin, who worked on the screenplays for The Batman and its upcoming sequel, is writer and showrunner on this series,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
As another M&a opportunity is potentially headed to the scrap heap, Paramount may be left to go it alone.
There’s very little about Paramount Global’s recent ownership question that has gone the way that company officials would want. The special committee designated to consider merger and acquisition opportunities is now working through its second major offer for the company, a $26 billion bid by Sony and its private equity firm partner Apollo Global Management. But a new report from CNBC is casting doubt on whether Sony really wants to follow through with its attempt to purchase Paramount Global, and it appears increasingly likely that the company won’t be sold at all.
Key Details: CNBC’s David Faber reports that Sony is “rethinking” its bid for Paramount Global. Due diligence has not begun, so while deal talks could still heat up, the two sides are not progressing as they would have hoped.
There’s very little about Paramount Global’s recent ownership question that has gone the way that company officials would want. The special committee designated to consider merger and acquisition opportunities is now working through its second major offer for the company, a $26 billion bid by Sony and its private equity firm partner Apollo Global Management. But a new report from CNBC is casting doubt on whether Sony really wants to follow through with its attempt to purchase Paramount Global, and it appears increasingly likely that the company won’t be sold at all.
Key Details: CNBC’s David Faber reports that Sony is “rethinking” its bid for Paramount Global. Due diligence has not begun, so while deal talks could still heat up, the two sides are not progressing as they would have hoped.
- 5/15/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Today, Netflix released the first images from Terminator Zero, which will premiere globally on the streaming service on August 29, 2024. The anime hails from Japanese animation studio Production Ig (Ghost in the Shell).
The eight-episode series will be part of the Terminator universe but will center around new characters. It will be the first-ever iteration of the franchise to be animated.
2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.
Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change humanity’s fate. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee, who is working to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity.
As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation,...
The eight-episode series will be part of the Terminator universe but will center around new characters. It will be the first-ever iteration of the franchise to be animated.
2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.
Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change humanity’s fate. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee, who is working to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity.
As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
“Terminator Zero” has set its premiere date at Netflix.
The eight-episode animated series, which revolves around new characters in the “Terminator” universe, will premiere globally on Aug. 29.
The official synopsis reads, “2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.”
“Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity. As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.”
“Terminator Zero” is created and executive produced by Mattson Tomlin,...
The eight-episode animated series, which revolves around new characters in the “Terminator” universe, will premiere globally on Aug. 29.
The official synopsis reads, “2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.”
“Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity. As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.”
“Terminator Zero” is created and executive produced by Mattson Tomlin,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has debuted a teaser trailer for the Aldis Hodge-led series ‘Cross,’ based on the detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross from the James Patterson novels.
The twisted thriller series follows the character who is uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify – and ultimately capture – the murderers.
Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold co-star.
Jim Dunn, Sam Ernst, Craig Siebels, James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell all executive produce.
Also in trailers – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 teaser trailer
The post Aldis Hodge stars in teaser trailer for series ‘Cross’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The twisted thriller series follows the character who is uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify – and ultimately capture – the murderers.
Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold co-star.
Jim Dunn, Sam Ernst, Craig Siebels, James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell all executive produce.
Also in trailers – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 teaser trailer
The post Aldis Hodge stars in teaser trailer for series ‘Cross’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 5/15/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Here is the complete list of streaming services with more subscribers than Paramount+: Netflix, Disney+, and maybe Max. (Warner Bros. Discovery does not break out linear HBO from its Max/Discovery+ number.) That’s it.
Paramount+ has 71 million subscribers, and yet the prevailing theory is that whomever buys Paramount (or control of Paramount) — if anyone does — will shutter the SVOD/AVOD service.
Why’s that? Well, for starters, Paramount+ has yet to make money. It’s on the clock, though: Paramount management has the streamer pegged to turn a profit in the U.S. in 2025. It’d be a shame to close something that has lost billions of dollars right before it starts to make money — unless you’d make more money licensing the content currently on the platform, that is.
And that is almost surely what Sony would do if it ended up as the owner of Paramount’s assets,...
Paramount+ has 71 million subscribers, and yet the prevailing theory is that whomever buys Paramount (or control of Paramount) — if anyone does — will shutter the SVOD/AVOD service.
Why’s that? Well, for starters, Paramount+ has yet to make money. It’s on the clock, though: Paramount management has the streamer pegged to turn a profit in the U.S. in 2025. It’d be a shame to close something that has lost billions of dollars right before it starts to make money — unless you’d make more money licensing the content currently on the platform, that is.
And that is almost surely what Sony would do if it ended up as the owner of Paramount’s assets,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Shares of Paramount Global dipped in afternoon trading on a CNBC report that Sony may be “rethinking” a joint bid with Apollo for the company.
A person familiar with the situation said there’s no indication Sony is pulling out of a deal. And the CNBC report noted that the “rethinking” may mean a restructuring of what would be a very complex transaction.
The studio and private equity fund made a formal, but preliminary, $26 billion offer for the company controlled by Shari Redstone just as Par’s monthlong exclusive negotiating window with Skydance expired early this month. It wasn’t extended, but the David Ellison-led studio backed by Larry Ellison and RedBird Capital still has an offer on the table.
A special committee of the Paramount Global board met then to consider the Sony-led deal, which is preferred by Paramount stockholders.
Sony and Apollo would need to conduct due diligence,...
A person familiar with the situation said there’s no indication Sony is pulling out of a deal. And the CNBC report noted that the “rethinking” may mean a restructuring of what would be a very complex transaction.
The studio and private equity fund made a formal, but preliminary, $26 billion offer for the company controlled by Shari Redstone just as Par’s monthlong exclusive negotiating window with Skydance expired early this month. It wasn’t extended, but the David Ellison-led studio backed by Larry Ellison and RedBird Capital still has an offer on the table.
A special committee of the Paramount Global board met then to consider the Sony-led deal, which is preferred by Paramount stockholders.
Sony and Apollo would need to conduct due diligence,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video has revealed the teaser trailer for the Amazon Original Cross and announced that the series will return for a second season. From Paramount Television Studios and Skydance Television, Cross is a complex, twisted, pulse-pounding thriller created by Ben Watkins, based upon the characters from James Patterson’s best-selling Alex Cross book series.
The first season of Cross will premiere later this year exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Joining the season two cast are Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard (Five Nights at Freddy’s), and Jeanine Mason (Grey’s Anatomy); Johnny Ray Gill (Underground) will be upped to a series regular role.
Alex Cross is a detective and forensic psychologist uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims to identify—and ultimately capture—the murderers. Aldis Hodge stars as the titular character and also serves as a producer on the series.
Cross also stars Isaiah Mustafa,...
The first season of Cross will premiere later this year exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Joining the season two cast are Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard (Five Nights at Freddy’s), and Jeanine Mason (Grey’s Anatomy); Johnny Ray Gill (Underground) will be upped to a series regular role.
Alex Cross is a detective and forensic psychologist uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims to identify—and ultimately capture—the murderers. Aldis Hodge stars as the titular character and also serves as a producer on the series.
Cross also stars Isaiah Mustafa,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
It’s been over four years since Variety exclusively reported the news that a TV series based on James Patterson’s “Alex Cross” books was in the works. Finally, fans have a first look at Aldis Hodge in the title role.
Amazon released a trailer for “Cross” at its 2024 upfront presentation, during which the company also confirmed previous reports that the series had already scored a Season 2 renewal.
“Cross,” which will premiere on Prime Video later this year, stars Aldis Hodge as a detective and forensic psychologist known for his ability to dig into the psyches of criminals and their victims. The cast also includes Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill. Season 2 will see the addition of Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and Jeanine Mason, with Gill being upped to a series regular.
“Who are you?...
Amazon released a trailer for “Cross” at its 2024 upfront presentation, during which the company also confirmed previous reports that the series had already scored a Season 2 renewal.
“Cross,” which will premiere on Prime Video later this year, stars Aldis Hodge as a detective and forensic psychologist known for his ability to dig into the psyches of criminals and their victims. The cast also includes Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill. Season 2 will see the addition of Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and Jeanine Mason, with Gill being upped to a series regular.
“Who are you?...
- 5/14/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of the series premiere of Cross, Prime Video officially gave the thriller an early Season 2 renewal. Deadline recently revealed exclusively the new Aldis Hodge-led series was prepping its sophomore season.
A first-look teaser starring Aldis Hodge as the titular Alex Cross can be found above. The streamer has yet to set a premiere date for Season 1 but viewers can expect to see it later this year.
From creator, showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins and based on characters from James Patterson’s best-selling book series, Cross is a twisted thriller about Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify — and ultimately capture — the murderers.
The series also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold. Season 2 cast includes Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and...
A first-look teaser starring Aldis Hodge as the titular Alex Cross can be found above. The streamer has yet to set a premiere date for Season 1 but viewers can expect to see it later this year.
From creator, showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins and based on characters from James Patterson’s best-selling book series, Cross is a twisted thriller about Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, to identify — and ultimately capture — the murderers.
The series also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford and Ryan Eggold. Season 2 cast includes Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard and...
- 5/14/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
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