Exclusive: Riot Games, the developer and publisher behind League of Legends and the breakout animated series Arcane, has appointed former Disney exec Cristina Fiumara as its first-ever Global Head of Animation Content Development for Film & TV.
Fiumara comes to Riot after serving as VP of Streaming Content at Walt Disney Animation Studios. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing animated television series and feature films for Riot Entertainment worldwide — working closely with a broad group of partners across franchise development, esports, game development and creative leaders, and reporting to Riot’s Chief Content Officer, Brian Wright.
Fiumara’s newly created role is the latest in Riot’s animation expansion. Following the success of Arcane, which broke numerous viewership records when it debuted on Netflix in November of 2021, Riot acquired a non-controlling stake in Fortiche Productions, the animation studio behind the series and a longtime collaborator of the company.
Fiumara comes to Riot after serving as VP of Streaming Content at Walt Disney Animation Studios. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing animated television series and feature films for Riot Entertainment worldwide — working closely with a broad group of partners across franchise development, esports, game development and creative leaders, and reporting to Riot’s Chief Content Officer, Brian Wright.
Fiumara’s newly created role is the latest in Riot’s animation expansion. Following the success of Arcane, which broke numerous viewership records when it debuted on Netflix in November of 2021, Riot acquired a non-controlling stake in Fortiche Productions, the animation studio behind the series and a longtime collaborator of the company.
- 12/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The “Stranger Things” kids are all grown up and going to war with the monsters of the Upside Down in the official trailer for Season 4.
Set to a looping version of the pulse in Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” the trailer sees Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and Max (Sadie Sink) enter high school, while Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Will (Noah Schnapp) are in California. As the friends navigate their different surroundings, a new supernatural threat surfaces, forcing them to once again confront the horrors of the Upside Down.
“A war is coming. Your friends in Hawkins are very much in the eye of a storm,” Eleven is warned. “I don’t know how to say this other than just to say it — without you, we can’t win this war.” Cue the title cards: “Every ending has a beginning.”
Hopper (David Harbour) is revealed to be alive,...
Set to a looping version of the pulse in Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” the trailer sees Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and Max (Sadie Sink) enter high school, while Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Will (Noah Schnapp) are in California. As the friends navigate their different surroundings, a new supernatural threat surfaces, forcing them to once again confront the horrors of the Upside Down.
“A war is coming. Your friends in Hawkins are very much in the eye of a storm,” Eleven is warned. “I don’t know how to say this other than just to say it — without you, we can’t win this war.” Cue the title cards: “Every ending has a beginning.”
Hopper (David Harbour) is revealed to be alive,...
- 4/12/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
“Stranger Things” is gearing up for its endgame with the official trailer for its upcoming fourth season.
The smash-hit Netflix series, which follows the citizens of Hawkins, Ind. as they fight against supernatural phenomena that plagues the town, last premiered new episodes in 2019, when the third season dropped on July 4. Said third season ended on a series of changes for the central characters of the show, with police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour) seemingly dying and the Byers family moving away from the town.
Filming for the fourth season initially began in early 2020, but production faced numerous delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past year, Netflix has released various teasers for the fourth season. The first, released Feb. 14, 2020, revealed that Hopper survived the climax of Season 3, and is now alive and imprisoned in Russia. The other teasers have shown Eleven (Millie Bobbie Brown) locked up in a mental institution,...
The smash-hit Netflix series, which follows the citizens of Hawkins, Ind. as they fight against supernatural phenomena that plagues the town, last premiered new episodes in 2019, when the third season dropped on July 4. Said third season ended on a series of changes for the central characters of the show, with police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour) seemingly dying and the Byers family moving away from the town.
Filming for the fourth season initially began in early 2020, but production faced numerous delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past year, Netflix has released various teasers for the fourth season. The first, released Feb. 14, 2020, revealed that Hopper survived the climax of Season 3, and is now alive and imprisoned in Russia. The other teasers have shown Eleven (Millie Bobbie Brown) locked up in a mental institution,...
- 3/3/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
League of Legends and Valorant publisher Riot Games continues to bolster its entertainment division as former Netflix executive Brian Wright joins the studio as Chief Content Officer.
Wright will report to Riot Games’ Global President of Entertainment Shauna Spenley, who also recently hired Frank Zhu as Managing Director of China Entertainment.
Wright will be responsible for developing programming strategies for original film, television and animation for Riot Entertainment. He will work with Spenley and the company’s global leadership team to bring the gaming and entertainment industries together and identify talent and creators to expand the brand’s IP. Creative, production and business affairs will all report to Wright.
Riot Games has already taken the plunge into the TV and film world, with the League of Legends animated series Arcane set to debut on Netflix later this year. Last month, Paramount+ ordered Players, a mockumentary-style series that follows a fictional...
Wright will report to Riot Games’ Global President of Entertainment Shauna Spenley, who also recently hired Frank Zhu as Managing Director of China Entertainment.
Wright will be responsible for developing programming strategies for original film, television and animation for Riot Entertainment. He will work with Spenley and the company’s global leadership team to bring the gaming and entertainment industries together and identify talent and creators to expand the brand’s IP. Creative, production and business affairs will all report to Wright.
Riot Games has already taken the plunge into the TV and film world, with the League of Legends animated series Arcane set to debut on Netflix later this year. Last month, Paramount+ ordered Players, a mockumentary-style series that follows a fictional...
- 9/2/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Riot Games, the gaming developer and publisher known for its popular esports “League of Legends” and “Valorant,” is growing its entertainment studio by hiring Brian Wright, a former Netflix executive, as the division’s chief content officer.
Wright will report directly to Riot Games global president of entertainment Shauna Spenley, who announced the news Thursday.
Wright will be responsible for leading the development of programming strategies for original film, TV series and animation for Riot Entertainment. Wright will also work closely with Spenley and the global leadership at Riot Entertainment to bridge relationships between the gaming and the entertainment industries and identify talent and creators to expand the brand’s IP. Creative, production, and business affairs will all report to Wright.
Riot Entertainment thus far has been expanding the world of its “League of Legends” brand, known as Runeterra, with multimedia projects across music, comic books and board games, and...
Wright will report directly to Riot Games global president of entertainment Shauna Spenley, who announced the news Thursday.
Wright will be responsible for leading the development of programming strategies for original film, TV series and animation for Riot Entertainment. Wright will also work closely with Spenley and the global leadership at Riot Entertainment to bridge relationships between the gaming and the entertainment industries and identify talent and creators to expand the brand’s IP. Creative, production, and business affairs will all report to Wright.
Riot Entertainment thus far has been expanding the world of its “League of Legends” brand, known as Runeterra, with multimedia projects across music, comic books and board games, and...
- 9/2/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Riot Games has hired former Netflix executive Brian Wright to a key post at its entertainment studio.
Wright will be chief content officer of Riot Entertainment, reporting to the League of Legends studio’s global president of entertainment, Shauna Spenley. In the job he’ll help forge relationships between the gaming and entertainment industries and target talent and creators to help expand Riot’s IP. Creative, production and business affairs units will all report to him.
“Brian is a dynamic leader with creative instincts that led to many shows that penetrated pop culture and delighted audiences around the world while working with the ...
Wright will be chief content officer of Riot Entertainment, reporting to the League of Legends studio’s global president of entertainment, Shauna Spenley. In the job he’ll help forge relationships between the gaming and entertainment industries and target talent and creators to help expand Riot’s IP. Creative, production and business affairs units will all report to him.
“Brian is a dynamic leader with creative instincts that led to many shows that penetrated pop culture and delighted audiences around the world while working with the ...
Riot Games has hired former Netflix executive Brian Wright to a key post at its entertainment studio.
Wright will be chief content officer of Riot Entertainment, reporting to the League of Legends studio’s global president of entertainment, Shauna Spenley. In the job he’ll help forge relationships between the gaming and entertainment industries and target talent and creators to help expand Riot’s IP. Creative, production and business affairs units will all report to him.
“Brian is a dynamic leader with creative instincts that led to many shows that penetrated pop culture and delighted audiences around the world while working with the ...
Wright will be chief content officer of Riot Entertainment, reporting to the League of Legends studio’s global president of entertainment, Shauna Spenley. In the job he’ll help forge relationships between the gaming and entertainment industries and target talent and creators to help expand Riot’s IP. Creative, production and business affairs units will all report to him.
“Brian is a dynamic leader with creative instincts that led to many shows that penetrated pop culture and delighted audiences around the world while working with the ...
Are you ready to return to Keyhouse?
Netflix on Tuesday announced Locke & Key Season 2 would finally receive its debut this October.
While the exact date has not been revealed, it's nice to know the series will be back on the air by the end of the year.
The announcement was made as part of the streamer's GeekedWeek event, which features announcements about its genre offerings.
While fans have been waiting a while for updates on the second season, Netflix did announce last year that it had already ordered up a third season.
“[EPs] Carlton [Cuse] and Meredith [Averill] have built an incredible world in Locke & Key, and we’re excited to have the Lockes return for more in the third season,” said Brian Wright, vice president of overall deals at Netflix in December, while Cuse added:
“We have some incredible adventures in store for the Locke family in Season 3 and could...
Netflix on Tuesday announced Locke & Key Season 2 would finally receive its debut this October.
While the exact date has not been revealed, it's nice to know the series will be back on the air by the end of the year.
The announcement was made as part of the streamer's GeekedWeek event, which features announcements about its genre offerings.
While fans have been waiting a while for updates on the second season, Netflix did announce last year that it had already ordered up a third season.
“[EPs] Carlton [Cuse] and Meredith [Averill] have built an incredible world in Locke & Key, and we’re excited to have the Lockes return for more in the third season,” said Brian Wright, vice president of overall deals at Netflix in December, while Cuse added:
“We have some incredible adventures in store for the Locke family in Season 3 and could...
- 6/8/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Peter Berg’s Film 44 has set a new first-look deal with Netflix, under which Berg will produce and direct live-action films and series for the streamer.
The new deal follows the success of last year’s “Spenser Confidential,” which Berg produced and directed at Netflix. The action film, starring Mark Wahlberg and Winston Duke, was a massive hit, with Netflix reporting 85 million members watching the film in its first four weeks.
“For me, in this moment, Netflix is the perfect creative fit,” Berg said in a statement. “I could not be more excited to get to work!”
The filmmaker and his scripted entertainment banner Film 44 have produced films such as “Lone Survivor,” “Deepwater Horizon,” “Mile 22,” “The Rundown,” “Hancock” and “Friday Night Lights” (both the 2004 feature film and the Emmy-winning television adaptation). Berg also served as executive producer and director of HBO’s “The Leftovers” and “Ballers.” Berg has...
The new deal follows the success of last year’s “Spenser Confidential,” which Berg produced and directed at Netflix. The action film, starring Mark Wahlberg and Winston Duke, was a massive hit, with Netflix reporting 85 million members watching the film in its first four weeks.
“For me, in this moment, Netflix is the perfect creative fit,” Berg said in a statement. “I could not be more excited to get to work!”
The filmmaker and his scripted entertainment banner Film 44 have produced films such as “Lone Survivor,” “Deepwater Horizon,” “Mile 22,” “The Rundown,” “Hancock” and “Friday Night Lights” (both the 2004 feature film and the Emmy-winning television adaptation). Berg also served as executive producer and director of HBO’s “The Leftovers” and “Ballers.” Berg has...
- 3/29/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Following the success of the Mark Wahlberg-starrer, Spenser Confidential, director Peter Berg is making a home at Netflix. The filmmaker, through his Film 44 entertainment banner, has entered into a first-look deal to produce and direct live-action films and series for the streaming giant.
Released in March of last year, Spenser Confidential was one of the most popular Netflix films with 85 million members viewing the film in the first 4 weeks. Berg currently has a couple of projects set up at Netflix including The Colonel’s Wife, which he will write, direct and produce, as well as Painkiller, a limited drama series about the origins of the opioid crisis.
“For me, in this moment, Netflix is the perfect creative fit. I could not be more excited to get to work!”, said Berg, who has a history of working with producer and Netflix film chief, Scott Stuber, having collaborated on a number...
Released in March of last year, Spenser Confidential was one of the most popular Netflix films with 85 million members viewing the film in the first 4 weeks. Berg currently has a couple of projects set up at Netflix including The Colonel’s Wife, which he will write, direct and produce, as well as Painkiller, a limited drama series about the origins of the opioid crisis.
“For me, in this moment, Netflix is the perfect creative fit. I could not be more excited to get to work!”, said Berg, who has a history of working with producer and Netflix film chief, Scott Stuber, having collaborated on a number...
- 3/29/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Berg’s Film 44 production company has secured a first-look deal with Netflix to produce and direct live-action films and series, they announced jointly Monday.
“For me, in this moment, Netflix is the perfect creative fit,” Berg said in a statement. “I could not be more excited to get to work!”
“Pete Berg has created iconic television. Authentic, visceral and kinetic, Berg’s style has elevated storytelling for years and we are proud to welcome him to Netflix,” Brian Wright, head of overall deals at Netflix, said.
Tendo Nagenda, vice president of Netflix Film, added, “Pete makes movies that captivate and thrill us…We’re thrilled to have him and Film 44 officially at Netflix.” Berg and Netflix film chief Scott Stuber have worked together in the past, including on the films “Patriot’s Day” and “Kingdom.”
Berg, a director, producer and actor, is the founder of Film Forties, a...
“For me, in this moment, Netflix is the perfect creative fit,” Berg said in a statement. “I could not be more excited to get to work!”
“Pete Berg has created iconic television. Authentic, visceral and kinetic, Berg’s style has elevated storytelling for years and we are proud to welcome him to Netflix,” Brian Wright, head of overall deals at Netflix, said.
Tendo Nagenda, vice president of Netflix Film, added, “Pete makes movies that captivate and thrill us…We’re thrilled to have him and Film 44 officially at Netflix.” Berg and Netflix film chief Scott Stuber have worked together in the past, including on the films “Patriot’s Day” and “Kingdom.”
Berg, a director, producer and actor, is the founder of Film Forties, a...
- 3/29/2021
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
After spending more then a decade calling 20th Century Fox home, Shawn Levy and his 21 Laps production banner have found a new home. Sources tell Deadline that, after considering several offers, Levy and 21 Laps Entertainment has signed a first-look deal for features with Netflix as well as extending his current TV overall deal. 21 Laps is run by Levy and partners Dan Levine and Dan Cohen, as well as the President of 21 Laps Television Josh Barry.
Sources say the deal is a five-year first look for film and exclusive for TV and was in the nine-figure range.
Insiders say the deal is not only well earned but also rare, and rivals J.J. Abrams’ recent deal with WarnerMedia given that non-writing producers, which Levy is on for shows like Stranger Things, don’t typically get these deals. The exceptions have been the Obamas and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle,...
Sources say the deal is a five-year first look for film and exclusive for TV and was in the nine-figure range.
Insiders say the deal is not only well earned but also rare, and rivals J.J. Abrams’ recent deal with WarnerMedia given that non-writing producers, which Levy is on for shows like Stranger Things, don’t typically get these deals. The exceptions have been the Obamas and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Nne Ebong is joining the overall deals group at Netflix led by Brian Wright.
Wright’s overall deals team, where Ebong will serve as a vice president, was formed in the restructuring under global TV head Bela Bajaria. It is responsible for working with and managing Netflix’s high-profile producer deals with Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, the Duffer Brothers and others.
Ebong comes to Netflix from CAA-backed wiip, where she was creative lead. She also previously was the senior vice president of drama development at ABC Studios, where she helped to develop “Scandal,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “American Crime,” “Designated Survivor,” “Once Upon a Time” and “Revenge,” among others. Prior to ABC Studios, Ebong was head of development for Shaun Cassidy Productions, serving as a producer on the company’s ABC drama, “Invasion.”
Ebong marks the first major hire since Bajaria was put in charge of the streaming service’s global TV operation.
Wright’s overall deals team, where Ebong will serve as a vice president, was formed in the restructuring under global TV head Bela Bajaria. It is responsible for working with and managing Netflix’s high-profile producer deals with Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, the Duffer Brothers and others.
Ebong comes to Netflix from CAA-backed wiip, where she was creative lead. She also previously was the senior vice president of drama development at ABC Studios, where she helped to develop “Scandal,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “American Crime,” “Designated Survivor,” “Once Upon a Time” and “Revenge,” among others. Prior to ABC Studios, Ebong was head of development for Shaun Cassidy Productions, serving as a producer on the company’s ABC drama, “Invasion.”
Ebong marks the first major hire since Bajaria was put in charge of the streaming service’s global TV operation.
- 11/9/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
New Netflix head of global TV Bela Bajaria has made a key addition to her team.
Nne Ebong has joined the streamer as vice president of overall deals and original series, working on Brian Wright’s newly-formed overall deals team. In her new role, Ebong will work with Wright on some of Netflix’s most high-profile overall deals, including those with Ryan Murphy, the Duffer Brothers and Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps.
She comes to Netflix from Paul Lee’s Wiip, where she served as creative lead since joining the company in Sept. 2018. While there, she developed and produced projects including “The White House Plumbers,” starring Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux.
Previously she served as ABC Studios’ SVP of drama development where she developed some of the studio’s biggest shows including “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “American Crime,” “Designated Survivor,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “Revenge.” Ebong joined...
Nne Ebong has joined the streamer as vice president of overall deals and original series, working on Brian Wright’s newly-formed overall deals team. In her new role, Ebong will work with Wright on some of Netflix’s most high-profile overall deals, including those with Ryan Murphy, the Duffer Brothers and Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps.
She comes to Netflix from Paul Lee’s Wiip, where she served as creative lead since joining the company in Sept. 2018. While there, she developed and produced projects including “The White House Plumbers,” starring Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux.
Previously she served as ABC Studios’ SVP of drama development where she developed some of the studio’s biggest shows including “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “American Crime,” “Designated Survivor,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “Revenge.” Ebong joined...
- 11/9/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: In the first major hire since Bela Bajaria was elevated to Head of Global TV, respected TV development executive Nne Ebong has joined the streamer as VP, Overall Deals, Original Series, working on Brian Wright’s Overall Deals team. Ebong is coming from independent TV studio wiip where she served as Creative Lead.
Netflix’s Overall Deals department was formed a couple of weeks ago as part of Bajaria’s restructuring of the streamer’s U.S. TV operations, which also included the launch of a Spectacle/Event programming unit and the folding of the Young Adult/Family portfolio into Comedy and Drama.
Wright’s team will work closely with high-profile Netflix overall deals, including Ryan Murphy, Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment and The Duffer Brothers, with whom Wright also worked closely in his previous capacity, as well as Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, among others.
Ebong has an existing...
Netflix’s Overall Deals department was formed a couple of weeks ago as part of Bajaria’s restructuring of the streamer’s U.S. TV operations, which also included the launch of a Spectacle/Event programming unit and the folding of the Young Adult/Family portfolio into Comedy and Drama.
Wright’s team will work closely with high-profile Netflix overall deals, including Ryan Murphy, Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment and The Duffer Brothers, with whom Wright also worked closely in his previous capacity, as well as Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, among others.
Ebong has an existing...
- 11/9/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Brian Wright is adding a key member to his overall deals team at Netflix.
Former ABC drama head and creative lead at CAA-backed wiip Nne Ebong has joined the streamer as vp overall deals, original series. While will report directly to Wright, Ebong marks the first new hire to come under head of global TV Bela Bajaria. Sources say Ebong was fielding multiple offers, including one that would have re-teamed her with Channing Dungey when the former Netflix and ABC exec begins her tenure at Warner Bros. TV next year.
Netflix’s overall deals unit was created Oct. 27 as ...
Former ABC drama head and creative lead at CAA-backed wiip Nne Ebong has joined the streamer as vp overall deals, original series. While will report directly to Wright, Ebong marks the first new hire to come under head of global TV Bela Bajaria. Sources say Ebong was fielding multiple offers, including one that would have re-teamed her with Channing Dungey when the former Netflix and ABC exec begins her tenure at Warner Bros. TV next year.
Netflix’s overall deals unit was created Oct. 27 as ...
- 11/9/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Brian Wright is adding a key member to his overall deals team at Netflix.
Former ABC drama head and creative lead at CAA-backed wiip Nne Ebong has joined the streamer as vp overall deals, original series. While will report directly to Wright, Ebong marks the first new hire to come under head of global TV Bela Bajaria. Sources say Ebong was fielding multiple offers, including one that would have re-teamed her with Channing Dungey when the former Netflix and ABC exec begins her tenure at Warner Bros. TV next year.
Netflix’s overall deals unit was created Oct. 27 as ...
Former ABC drama head and creative lead at CAA-backed wiip Nne Ebong has joined the streamer as vp overall deals, original series. While will report directly to Wright, Ebong marks the first new hire to come under head of global TV Bela Bajaria. Sources say Ebong was fielding multiple offers, including one that would have re-teamed her with Channing Dungey when the former Netflix and ABC exec begins her tenure at Warner Bros. TV next year.
Netflix’s overall deals unit was created Oct. 27 as ...
- 11/9/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Initiates hefty restructure six weeks after replacing Cindy Holland.
Netflix’s vice president of global TV Bela Bajaria has assembled her leadership team after weeks of departures among the streamer’s senior ranks.
In a move to streamline the comedy, drama and talent deal units, Bajaria has upped former young adult and family content vice president Brian Wright to head of overall deals for original series, and former vice president of genre drama programming Peter Friedlander to the newly-created spectacle/event unit.
The former’s unit has been subsumed within the drama and comedy teams and the latter will be...
Netflix’s vice president of global TV Bela Bajaria has assembled her leadership team after weeks of departures among the streamer’s senior ranks.
In a move to streamline the comedy, drama and talent deal units, Bajaria has upped former young adult and family content vice president Brian Wright to head of overall deals for original series, and former vice president of genre drama programming Peter Friedlander to the newly-created spectacle/event unit.
The former’s unit has been subsumed within the drama and comedy teams and the latter will be...
- 10/29/2020
- by Hannah Bowler Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Following the exit of several top executives, Netflix’s head of global television Bela Bajaria has set her new global leadership team and overhauled the streaming service’s U.S. operations under her purview, creating a new overalls team in the process.
As part of the reorganization, on the domestic side, Brian Wright is now leading overall deals, original series. Wright will lead this new team, which will work closely with high-profile pacts, including Netflix’s deals with Ryan Murphy, The Duffer Brothers and 21 Laps. Wright’s previous position heading up YA/Family series will now be consolidated into the drama and comedy teams.
Bajaria has named Peter Friedlander head of spectacle/event TV, focusing on high-concept drama series with high production values, like “The Three-Body Problem,” “Black Mirror” and “Narcos.”
Jinny Howe (who previously worked on the character dramas and soap/Shondaland team) is now in charge of drama,...
As part of the reorganization, on the domestic side, Brian Wright is now leading overall deals, original series. Wright will lead this new team, which will work closely with high-profile pacts, including Netflix’s deals with Ryan Murphy, The Duffer Brothers and 21 Laps. Wright’s previous position heading up YA/Family series will now be consolidated into the drama and comedy teams.
Bajaria has named Peter Friedlander head of spectacle/event TV, focusing on high-concept drama series with high production values, like “The Three-Body Problem,” “Black Mirror” and “Narcos.”
Jinny Howe (who previously worked on the character dramas and soap/Shondaland team) is now in charge of drama,...
- 10/27/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
A month and a half after being elevated to Head of Global TV at Netflix, Bela Bajaria has reorganized the streamer’s U.S. TV operation with an increased focus on tentpole shows and getting the most from mega overall deals. The realignment also enhances the portfolios of some executives on her international bench.
The U.S. streamlining includes the closing of the Young Adult/Family series department whose duties will be absorbed by the Drama and Comedy teams. The consolidation has led to the departures of fewer than 10 members of the series content team below VP level. Brian Wright, who ran the YA/family group, will now head a new Overall Deals department, while Jinny Howe and Renate Radford will lead the drama team. Meanwhile, Peter Friedlander, who led the Genre & Thrillers subsection of the drama department, will now head a new Spectacle/Event programming department that will be separate from drama and comedy.
The U.S. streamlining includes the closing of the Young Adult/Family series department whose duties will be absorbed by the Drama and Comedy teams. The consolidation has led to the departures of fewer than 10 members of the series content team below VP level. Brian Wright, who ran the YA/family group, will now head a new Overall Deals department, while Jinny Howe and Renate Radford will lead the drama team. Meanwhile, Peter Friedlander, who led the Genre & Thrillers subsection of the drama department, will now head a new Spectacle/Event programming department that will be separate from drama and comedy.
- 10/27/2020
- by Jake Kanter and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A little more than a month after being named head of global TV at Netflix, Bela Bajaria has set her leadership team.
The new management structure puts all television worldwide under one umbrella, and follows a weeks-long period that saw several top programming executives leave the streamer.
“Each of the roles has greenlight power, so that approach of decentralized decision-making continues because it’s good for our members and good for the business,” Bajaria tells Variety of the new structure. “I wanted to eliminate silos and clarify the lanes, both internally and for creators, so my goal for this streamlined approach is that our priorities are clear: drama, comedy and unscripted, and the new overalls team to be led by Brian Wright.”
The reorganization also includes layoffs, with 10 members of the series content team leaving the company.
Outside the U.S., Larry Tanz has been named head of local-language original series for Europe,...
The new management structure puts all television worldwide under one umbrella, and follows a weeks-long period that saw several top programming executives leave the streamer.
“Each of the roles has greenlight power, so that approach of decentralized decision-making continues because it’s good for our members and good for the business,” Bajaria tells Variety of the new structure. “I wanted to eliminate silos and clarify the lanes, both internally and for creators, so my goal for this streamlined approach is that our priorities are clear: drama, comedy and unscripted, and the new overalls team to be led by Brian Wright.”
The reorganization also includes layoffs, with 10 members of the series content team leaving the company.
Outside the U.S., Larry Tanz has been named head of local-language original series for Europe,...
- 10/27/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Less than two months into her purview as vp global television, Bela Bajaria is reorganizing the executive ranks at Netflix.
Bajaria’s global management team will break down many of the pre-existing silos that existed under former vp originals Cindy Holland and consolidates many of the divisions into a more streamlined structure built around drama, comedy, event series, unscripted and overall deals. A search is under way for a new head of U.S. series and a new head of comedy.
Brian Wright, formerly vp young adult and family content, will head overall deals for original series. His YA/family unit ...
Bajaria’s global management team will break down many of the pre-existing silos that existed under former vp originals Cindy Holland and consolidates many of the divisions into a more streamlined structure built around drama, comedy, event series, unscripted and overall deals. A search is under way for a new head of U.S. series and a new head of comedy.
Brian Wright, formerly vp young adult and family content, will head overall deals for original series. His YA/family unit ...
- 10/27/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Less than two months into her purview as vp global television, Bela Bajaria is reorganizing the executive ranks at Netflix.
Bajaria’s global management team will break down many of the pre-existing silos that existed under former vp originals Cindy Holland and consolidates many of the divisions into a more streamlined structure built around drama, comedy, event series, unscripted and overall deals. A search is under way for a new head of U.S. series and a new head of comedy.
Brian Wright, formerly vp young adult and family content, will head overall deals for original series. His YA/family unit ...
Bajaria’s global management team will break down many of the pre-existing silos that existed under former vp originals Cindy Holland and consolidates many of the divisions into a more streamlined structure built around drama, comedy, event series, unscripted and overall deals. A search is under way for a new head of U.S. series and a new head of comedy.
Brian Wright, formerly vp young adult and family content, will head overall deals for original series. His YA/family unit ...
- 10/27/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Cobra Kai's reign at Netflix is not coming to an end in the near future.
The streamer on Friday confirmed it had picked up a fourth season of the series, which it recently acquired from Youtube Premium.
What's more, the long-delayed third season will now launch globally on January 8, 2021.
This may seem soon for people who just found the series on Netflix, but the second season actually launched back in 2019 before Youtube Premium exited scripted.
Cobra Kai takes place over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament with the continuation of the inescapable conflict between Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka).
Season Three finds everyone reeling in the aftermath of the violent high school brawl between their dojos, which has left Miguel in a precarious condition.
While Daniel searches for answers in his past and Johnny seeks redemption, Kreese further manipulates his vulnerable students...
The streamer on Friday confirmed it had picked up a fourth season of the series, which it recently acquired from Youtube Premium.
What's more, the long-delayed third season will now launch globally on January 8, 2021.
This may seem soon for people who just found the series on Netflix, but the second season actually launched back in 2019 before Youtube Premium exited scripted.
Cobra Kai takes place over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament with the continuation of the inescapable conflict between Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka).
Season Three finds everyone reeling in the aftermath of the violent high school brawl between their dojos, which has left Miguel in a precarious condition.
While Daniel searches for answers in his past and Johnny seeks redemption, Kreese further manipulates his vulnerable students...
- 10/2/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Oddly enough it is 36 years to the day that the original “Karate Kid” film was released and the news has just been revealed that season three of the hit series “Cobra Kai” will be making its’ debut on Netflix, as it is parting ways with YouTube premium. It seems that Netflix and YouTube Premium have struck a deal regarding the series and the first two seasons will begin streaming on Netflix later this year. As for the premiere date for season three of “Cobra Kai”, nothing has been set in stone yet, so we should be expecting an announcement sometime in the near future. According to Variety, “The appeal of ‘The Karate Kid’ saga is timeless, and ‘Cobra Kai’ picks up right where it left off without missing a beat,” said Brian Wright, vice president of original series at Netflix. “The rivalry between Daniel and Johnny is one for the ages,...
- 6/23/2020
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Cobra Kai is heading for a new proving ground tournament of a streaming platform: Netflix!
The streaming giant has officially announced the addition of Cobra Kai to its vast streaming lineup, bringing the buzz-heavy hit series to a platform that’s exponentially larger than the show has ever known, prospectively providing the kind of mainstream exposure of which it had been deprived on its previous home of YouTube Premium. Promisingly, the deal, made with production company Sony Pictures Television, sets the premiere of Cobra Kai Season 3 on Netflix for an undisclosed date after the arrival of the show’s first two seasons, which will occur sometime this year.
As executive producers Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg laud of the Netflix migration:
“Making Cobra Kai has been a dream come true for us since day one. We are thankful for the tireless dedication of Jeff Frost, Chris Parnell, Jason Clodfelter,...
The streaming giant has officially announced the addition of Cobra Kai to its vast streaming lineup, bringing the buzz-heavy hit series to a platform that’s exponentially larger than the show has ever known, prospectively providing the kind of mainstream exposure of which it had been deprived on its previous home of YouTube Premium. Promisingly, the deal, made with production company Sony Pictures Television, sets the premiere of Cobra Kai Season 3 on Netflix for an undisclosed date after the arrival of the show’s first two seasons, which will occur sometime this year.
As executive producers Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg laud of the Netflix migration:
“Making Cobra Kai has been a dream come true for us since day one. We are thankful for the tireless dedication of Jeff Frost, Chris Parnell, Jason Clodfelter,...
- 6/22/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
Cobra Kai will live on.
Netflix today announced it is the new home to Cobra Kai, the series continuation of the iconic The Karate Kid film franchise from Sony Pictures Television.
The film’s stars, Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprise their star-making roles in the series along with Martin Kove as sensei John Kreese.
Under the terms of the deal, the first two seasons of Sony Pictures Television’s Cobra Kai will premiere on Netflix this year, with an all-new third season to follow.
The series takes place 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, where a now successful Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) struggles to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, and must face his previous adversary, down-and-out Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo.
The series has been a critical success since its debut,...
Netflix today announced it is the new home to Cobra Kai, the series continuation of the iconic The Karate Kid film franchise from Sony Pictures Television.
The film’s stars, Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprise their star-making roles in the series along with Martin Kove as sensei John Kreese.
Under the terms of the deal, the first two seasons of Sony Pictures Television’s Cobra Kai will premiere on Netflix this year, with an all-new third season to follow.
The series takes place 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, where a now successful Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) struggles to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, and must face his previous adversary, down-and-out Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo.
The series has been a critical success since its debut,...
- 6/22/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
“Cobra Kai” is leaving YouTube Premium for a new home at Netflix ahead of the show’s third season, Variety has learned.
Under the terms of the deal, the first two seasons of the series will be available on Netflix later this year. The premiere date for Season 3 will be announced at a later date. News of the move comes 36 years to the day after the premiere of the first “Karate Kid” film. The film grossed over $90 million when it was first released and landed an Oscar nomination for Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. It ultimately inspired an additional three sequel, a short-lived animated series, and a 2010 film reboot starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.
“The appeal of ‘The Karate Kid’ saga is timeless, and ‘Cobra Kai’ picks up right where it left off without missing a beat,” said Brian Wright, vice president of original series at Netflix. “The rivalry...
Under the terms of the deal, the first two seasons of the series will be available on Netflix later this year. The premiere date for Season 3 will be announced at a later date. News of the move comes 36 years to the day after the premiere of the first “Karate Kid” film. The film grossed over $90 million when it was first released and landed an Oscar nomination for Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. It ultimately inspired an additional three sequel, a short-lived animated series, and a 2010 film reboot starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.
“The appeal of ‘The Karate Kid’ saga is timeless, and ‘Cobra Kai’ picks up right where it left off without missing a beat,” said Brian Wright, vice president of original series at Netflix. “The rivalry...
- 6/22/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“Cobra Kai” is upgrading its dojo: The “Karate Kid” sequel series is moving from YouTube to Netflix.
Apparently, fear does not exist on that streaming service.
Seasons 1 and 2 will become available on Netflix “this year,” with Season 3 “to follow,” according to Netflix. A person with knowledge of the move told TheWrap that the release plan for the new season is “in the works.”
While there is currently no Season 3 premiere date, production on the new episodes has been completed, the person told us. It is entirely conceivable that the third season does not get released until 2021, a second person told TheWrap.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Also Read: 'Cobra Kai' Stars Talk About That Insane Season 2 Finale Scene: 'It Was Like an 11-Minute Riot'
“Cobra Kai” takes place 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, where a now-successful Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio...
Apparently, fear does not exist on that streaming service.
Seasons 1 and 2 will become available on Netflix “this year,” with Season 3 “to follow,” according to Netflix. A person with knowledge of the move told TheWrap that the release plan for the new season is “in the works.”
While there is currently no Season 3 premiere date, production on the new episodes has been completed, the person told us. It is entirely conceivable that the third season does not get released until 2021, a second person told TheWrap.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Also Read: 'Cobra Kai' Stars Talk About That Insane Season 2 Finale Scene: 'It Was Like an 11-Minute Riot'
“Cobra Kai” takes place 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, where a now-successful Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio...
- 6/22/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Netflix has landed Cobra Kai. Starting with its upcoming third season, YouTube’s flagship scripted series will become a Netflix original.
Along with exclusive rights to Season 3 of Cobra Kai, Netflix will have access on a non-exclusive basis to the first two seasons of the show for fans to catch up. Seasons 1 and 2 of the Karate Kid sequel series, starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, will premiere on Netflix this year, with an all-new third season to follow.
As Deadline reported last month, Cobra Kai studio Sony Pictures TV had been shopping the series, with all major streamers expressing interest. The field of suitors was eventually narrowed down, with Netflix and Hulu leading the short list of contenders. In the end, I hear Netflix’s financial commitment, massive subscriber base, global reach and passion for the material sealed the deal, making it the new home of Cobra Kai.
While the...
Along with exclusive rights to Season 3 of Cobra Kai, Netflix will have access on a non-exclusive basis to the first two seasons of the show for fans to catch up. Seasons 1 and 2 of the Karate Kid sequel series, starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, will premiere on Netflix this year, with an all-new third season to follow.
As Deadline reported last month, Cobra Kai studio Sony Pictures TV had been shopping the series, with all major streamers expressing interest. The field of suitors was eventually narrowed down, with Netflix and Hulu leading the short list of contenders. In the end, I hear Netflix’s financial commitment, massive subscriber base, global reach and passion for the material sealed the deal, making it the new home of Cobra Kai.
While the...
- 6/22/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has struck a first-look deal with Boom! Studios, the comic book publisher behind franchises including Lumberjanes, Something is Killing the Children, Once & Future, and Mouse Guard.
The deal covers live-action and animated series and comes after the streamer began worked with Boom! on a feature adaptation of The Unsound with Shazam! director David F. Sandberg in 2019.
Boom! Studios previously struck a first-look film deal with 20th Century Studios and the studio took a minority stake in the company. That first-look deal runs through January 2021 and the studio is releasing supernatural thriller The Empty Man in August. However, following the Disney merger, Boom!’s $150M animated movie Mouse Guard, directed by Wes Ball, was cancelled and the company moved beyond 20th Century Studios, setting up projects across town including feature film Memetic with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg producing and The Batman screenwriter Mattson Tomlin at Lionsgate and a slew of TV projects to Amazon,...
The deal covers live-action and animated series and comes after the streamer began worked with Boom! on a feature adaptation of The Unsound with Shazam! director David F. Sandberg in 2019.
Boom! Studios previously struck a first-look film deal with 20th Century Studios and the studio took a minority stake in the company. That first-look deal runs through January 2021 and the studio is releasing supernatural thriller The Empty Man in August. However, following the Disney merger, Boom!’s $150M animated movie Mouse Guard, directed by Wes Ball, was cancelled and the company moved beyond 20th Century Studios, setting up projects across town including feature film Memetic with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg producing and The Batman screenwriter Mattson Tomlin at Lionsgate and a slew of TV projects to Amazon,...
- 4/13/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been nearly a week since a series of tornadoes struck the Nashville area on March 3rd, causing widespread damage in the city’s densely populated neighborhoods — including the destruction of beloved music venue the Basement East — and killing more than two dozen people in the surrounding area. Volunteers have been working overtime to clear streets and yards or bring food and other necessities to affected areas, but it’s going to be a long road to recover and rebuild.
One of Nashville’s greatest, most plentiful resources is its deep well of talent,...
One of Nashville’s greatest, most plentiful resources is its deep well of talent,...
- 3/9/2020
- by Jon Freeman
- Rollingstone.com
Lauren Iungerich has signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix.
She is currently the showrunner and executive producer on the streamer’s comedy series “On My Block,” on which she is also the co-creator. Under her new deal, Iungerich will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix while continuing her work with “On My Block.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to continue working with the many talented creatives at Netflix to keep telling stories that resonate with audiences,” she said. “My hope is that this opportunity will open doors for all the amazing people around me as well.”
Season 3 of “On My Block” launches on March 11. The show is described as a coming-of-age story following four ethnically diverse young teens in inner city Los Angeles. Iungerich co-created the show with Eddie Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft. The show has been well-received by critics, with the first two seasons averaging...
She is currently the showrunner and executive producer on the streamer’s comedy series “On My Block,” on which she is also the co-creator. Under her new deal, Iungerich will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix while continuing her work with “On My Block.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to continue working with the many talented creatives at Netflix to keep telling stories that resonate with audiences,” she said. “My hope is that this opportunity will open doors for all the amazing people around me as well.”
Season 3 of “On My Block” launches on March 11. The show is described as a coming-of-age story following four ethnically diverse young teens in inner city Los Angeles. Iungerich co-created the show with Eddie Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft. The show has been well-received by critics, with the first two seasons averaging...
- 3/5/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has entered a multi-year series overall deal with another key creative auspice behind a hit show on the platform. On My Block co-creator/executive producer Lauren Iungerich has signed a multi-year overall deal with the streamer.
Under the pact, Iungerich will continue as executive producer and showrunner for On My Block while writing and producing series and other projects exclusively for Netflix. The news comes just ahead of the Season 3 release of On My Block on March 11.
Iungerich is behind two of the most popular Ya comedy series of the past decade, Awkward on MTV, which she created, and On My Block on Netflix, which she co-created with Eddie Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft.
“Lauren’s talent and track record of success speak for themselves,” said Brian Wright, Netflix’s VP, Ya/Family Original Series. “Her unique voice and commitment to representation lend her projects an authenticity that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Under the pact, Iungerich will continue as executive producer and showrunner for On My Block while writing and producing series and other projects exclusively for Netflix. The news comes just ahead of the Season 3 release of On My Block on March 11.
Iungerich is behind two of the most popular Ya comedy series of the past decade, Awkward on MTV, which she created, and On My Block on Netflix, which she co-created with Eddie Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft.
“Lauren’s talent and track record of success speak for themselves,” said Brian Wright, Netflix’s VP, Ya/Family Original Series. “Her unique voice and commitment to representation lend her projects an authenticity that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
- 3/5/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“On My Block” co-creator Lauren Iungerich has signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix, the streamer announced Thursday.
Under the deal, Iungerich will write and produce new projects for Netflix in addition to serving as showrunner and executive producer on the young-adult series.
“I’m incredibly grateful to continue working with the many talented creatives at Netflix to keep telling stories that resonate with audiences,” Iungerich said in a statement. “My hope is that this opportunity will open doors for all the amazing people around me as well.”
Also Read: 'On My Block' Season 3 Trailer: A Secret Mission to Find Little Ricky, Who Is Somehow Alive (Video)
“Lauren’s talent and track record of success speak for themselves,” added Brian Wright, vice president of Ya/family original series at Netflix. “Her unique voice and commitment to representation lend her projects an authenticity that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Under the deal, Iungerich will write and produce new projects for Netflix in addition to serving as showrunner and executive producer on the young-adult series.
“I’m incredibly grateful to continue working with the many talented creatives at Netflix to keep telling stories that resonate with audiences,” Iungerich said in a statement. “My hope is that this opportunity will open doors for all the amazing people around me as well.”
Also Read: 'On My Block' Season 3 Trailer: A Secret Mission to Find Little Ricky, Who Is Somehow Alive (Video)
“Lauren’s talent and track record of success speak for themselves,” added Brian Wright, vice president of Ya/family original series at Netflix. “Her unique voice and commitment to representation lend her projects an authenticity that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
- 3/5/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Singer-guitarist Brian Wright is one of Nashville’s most wonderfully eccentric characters — his Twitter account alone is enough to warrant your attention. On May 8th, the solo artist will release his new album Lapse of Luxury with his group the Sneakups. Ahead of the LP, Wright premieres the track “Patrick’s Crossing,” a nostalgic slice of country-funk about killing time on the Brazo River near his Texas hometown.
Music and mind-altering chemicals played a key role in those days, as did The Man, represented back then by a local cop...
Music and mind-altering chemicals played a key role in those days, as did The Man, represented back then by a local cop...
- 3/5/2020
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
On My Block co-creator and showrunner Lauren Iungerich is cementing her working relationship with Netflix.
Iungerich, who also created MTV's Awkward, has signed a multiyear overall deal with the streamer. She will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix under the pact while continuing as showrunner on On My Block, whose third season debuts Wednesday.
"Lauren’s talent and track record of success speak for themselves," Brian Wright, vp Ya/family original series at Netflix, said Thursday in a statement. "Her unique voice and commitment to representation lend her projects an authenticity that has resonated with audiences ...
Iungerich, who also created MTV's Awkward, has signed a multiyear overall deal with the streamer. She will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix under the pact while continuing as showrunner on On My Block, whose third season debuts Wednesday.
"Lauren’s talent and track record of success speak for themselves," Brian Wright, vp Ya/family original series at Netflix, said Thursday in a statement. "Her unique voice and commitment to representation lend her projects an authenticity that has resonated with audiences ...
On Monday, Super Tuesday eve, a cadre of independent Nashville artists will take the stage at the Basement East in support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Dubbed “Concert for the Revolution to Elect Bernie Sanders,” the show is the brainchild of local musician Dean Moore and features performances by Lissie, Darrin Bradbury, Joel King of the Wild Feathers, Sarah Potenza, and Brian Wright, among others.
To create a centerpiece for the concert, Moore, who has played bass for Truth and Salvage Co., Will Hoge, and Andrew Leahey and the Homestead,...
To create a centerpiece for the concert, Moore, who has played bass for Truth and Salvage Co., Will Hoge, and Andrew Leahey and the Homestead,...
- 2/28/2020
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Steve Blackman, best known for creating last year’s breakout Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy,” has signed a multi-year overall deal with the streamer.
Under the deal, Blackman and his Borderline Entertainment production banner will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix, while continuing to serve as showrunner and executive producer on the superhero show based on the Dark Horse Comics series. He was previously signed to “Umbrella Academy” producer Ucp.
Additionally, Blackman is growing his Borderline operation for Netflix by bringing on a development executive in the coming months.
“Over the past three years working with Netflix, I have developed and created shows with different genres. I plan on continuing to develop creative programming that spans a wide variety of worlds and formats. Netflix has offered me an unparalleled level of creative support that motivates me each and every day,” said Blackman in a statement.
Blackman...
Under the deal, Blackman and his Borderline Entertainment production banner will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix, while continuing to serve as showrunner and executive producer on the superhero show based on the Dark Horse Comics series. He was previously signed to “Umbrella Academy” producer Ucp.
Additionally, Blackman is growing his Borderline operation for Netflix by bringing on a development executive in the coming months.
“Over the past three years working with Netflix, I have developed and created shows with different genres. I plan on continuing to develop creative programming that spans a wide variety of worlds and formats. Netflix has offered me an unparalleled level of creative support that motivates me each and every day,” said Blackman in a statement.
Blackman...
- 2/28/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has signed a rich multi-year overall deal with Steve Blackman, executive producer/showrunner of one of the streamer’s most popular original series, The Umbrella Academy.
No one would comment but I hear the pact is for four years and in the mid-eight-figure range. Under the deal, Blackman will continue as showrunner and executive producer on the Ucp-produced The Umbrella Academy while writing and producing new series and other projects exclusively for Netflix through his Borderline Entertainment banner. Blackman will be bringing a development executive to work with him at Borderline in the coming months.
The Umbrella Academy has been a big breakout hit for Netflix. It ranked third on the list of Netflix’s most popular series releases of 2019, which was put out by the streamer in December, and was one of only three series to crack Netflix’s overall Top 10 list of its most popular 2019 releases.
No one would comment but I hear the pact is for four years and in the mid-eight-figure range. Under the deal, Blackman will continue as showrunner and executive producer on the Ucp-produced The Umbrella Academy while writing and producing new series and other projects exclusively for Netflix through his Borderline Entertainment banner. Blackman will be bringing a development executive to work with him at Borderline in the coming months.
The Umbrella Academy has been a big breakout hit for Netflix. It ranked third on the list of Netflix’s most popular series releases of 2019, which was put out by the streamer in December, and was one of only three series to crack Netflix’s overall Top 10 list of its most popular 2019 releases.
- 2/28/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has signed “Umbrella Academy” showrunner Steve Blackman to a multi-year overall deal.
Blackman’s deal is for four years in the mid-eight figure range, a person with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap. We’ll save you the counting on your fingers, that would be in the tens of millions with something like a five in front, so around $50 million.
Under the deal, Blackman and his production company, Borderline Entertainment, will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix while continuing his work as showrunner and executive producer on “The Umbrella Academy.” Blackman will be growing Borderline for Netflix and bringing on a development executive in the coming months.
Also Read: 'Umbrella Academy' Adds 3 Series Regulars for Season 2
Season 2 of the Dark Horse comic adaptation will premiere this year.
“Over the past three years working with Netflix, I have developed and created shows with different genres,...
Blackman’s deal is for four years in the mid-eight figure range, a person with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap. We’ll save you the counting on your fingers, that would be in the tens of millions with something like a five in front, so around $50 million.
Under the deal, Blackman and his production company, Borderline Entertainment, will write and produce series and other projects exclusively for Netflix while continuing his work as showrunner and executive producer on “The Umbrella Academy.” Blackman will be growing Borderline for Netflix and bringing on a development executive in the coming months.
Also Read: 'Umbrella Academy' Adds 3 Series Regulars for Season 2
Season 2 of the Dark Horse comic adaptation will premiere this year.
“Over the past three years working with Netflix, I have developed and created shows with different genres,...
- 2/28/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Mindy Kaling felt like the perfect person to make a show about a teenage Indian nerd growing up in America because, well, she can relate.
Speaking at a Netflix TV brunch discussion of young adult programming, Kaling discussed her upcoming series “Never Have I Ever” and specifically the need to show that nerds are not just “stuttering kids on the spectrum.”
“Nerds are not only the wallflowers and the quiet ones,” Kaling said. “We’re ambitious, we have obnoxious personalities sometimes, we want to have sex and dreams like all the other kids.”
Her new series centers on Devi, an overachieving high school sophomore who has a short fuse that gets her into difficult situations, following her life as a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl. Kaling addressed the importance of casting Canadian newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan in the lead role in relation to colorism issues with Indians on screen,...
Speaking at a Netflix TV brunch discussion of young adult programming, Kaling discussed her upcoming series “Never Have I Ever” and specifically the need to show that nerds are not just “stuttering kids on the spectrum.”
“Nerds are not only the wallflowers and the quiet ones,” Kaling said. “We’re ambitious, we have obnoxious personalities sometimes, we want to have sex and dreams like all the other kids.”
Her new series centers on Devi, an overachieving high school sophomore who has a short fuse that gets her into difficult situations, following her life as a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl. Kaling addressed the importance of casting Canadian newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan in the lead role in relation to colorism issues with Indians on screen,...
- 2/26/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
The young people have spoken — and it’s good news. A recent survey conducted on behalf of Netflix found that young American viewers are seeing their lives and identities reflected more and more in TV and film. Earlier on Tuesday, Mindy Kaling, Jonathan Entwistle, Robia Rashid and Jessica Marie Garcia (On My Block) discussed the impact of these findings at an intimate lunch alongside Brian Wright, Netflix’s Vice President of Ya/Family Original Series and Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Vice President of Local Language Originals.
According to the study, 63% of young people felt that TV series and movies more accurately reflect daily life. They also believe that the portrayals of diverse characters are on the rise compared to a few years ago. On top of that, the study...
According to the study, 63% of young people felt that TV series and movies more accurately reflect daily life. They also believe that the portrayals of diverse characters are on the rise compared to a few years ago. On top of that, the study...
- 2/25/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Led by breakouts like the To All The Boys I've Loved Before franchise, Netflix is zeroing in on young adult content and trying to change the industry perception where vp Ya and family originals Brian Wright says. "there was a little bit of snobbiness toward Ya."
At a Tuesday brunch event hosted by Netflix at West Hollywood's The London Hotel, Wright and vp local language originals Bela Bajaria joined some of their top Ya talent and creators, including Mindy Kaling, I Am Not Okay With This co-creator Jonathan Entwistle, Atypical creator Robia Rashid and On My Block actress ...
At a Tuesday brunch event hosted by Netflix at West Hollywood's The London Hotel, Wright and vp local language originals Bela Bajaria joined some of their top Ya talent and creators, including Mindy Kaling, I Am Not Okay With This co-creator Jonathan Entwistle, Atypical creator Robia Rashid and On My Block actress ...
- 2/25/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Netflix has renewed the worldwide hit series Stranger Things for a fourth season and signed series creators and showrunners The Duffer Brothers to a multi-year film and series overall deal.
Netflix has renewed the worldwide hit series Stranger Things for a fourth season and signed series creators and showrunners The Duffer Brothers to a multi-year film and series overall deal.
Also Read: Netflix releases Stranger Things 3 Final Trailer and reveals an unexpected villain
?The Duffer Brothers have captivated viewers around the world with Stranger Things and we?re thrilled to expand our relationship with them to bring their vivid imaginations to other film and series projects our members will love,? said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. ?We can?t wait to see what The Duffer Brothers have in store when they step outside the world of The Upside Down.?
"We are absolutely thrilled to continue our relationship with Netflix.
Netflix has renewed the worldwide hit series Stranger Things for a fourth season and signed series creators and showrunners The Duffer Brothers to a multi-year film and series overall deal.
Also Read: Netflix releases Stranger Things 3 Final Trailer and reveals an unexpected villain
?The Duffer Brothers have captivated viewers around the world with Stranger Things and we?re thrilled to expand our relationship with them to bring their vivid imaginations to other film and series projects our members will love,? said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. ?We can?t wait to see what The Duffer Brothers have in store when they step outside the world of The Upside Down.?
"We are absolutely thrilled to continue our relationship with Netflix.
- 10/1/2019
- GlamSham
Stranger Things has been renewed for a fourth season — Netflix announced on Monday — as part of a multi-year film and television deal with co-creators and showrunners the Duffer Brothers. The news came with a short teaser video featuring the tagline, “We’re not in Hawkins anymore.”
“The Duffer Brothers have captivated viewers around the world with Stranger Things and we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with them to bring their vivid imaginations to other film and series projects our members will love,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix,...
“The Duffer Brothers have captivated viewers around the world with Stranger Things and we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with them to bring their vivid imaginations to other film and series projects our members will love,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix,...
- 9/30/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Netflix has announced that they are officially moving forward with Stranger Things Season 4! Yeah, we all knew that this incredible supernatural horror series going to get another season, but knowing it’s official adds a level of comfort and excitement.
The announcement came with a promo video giving us some Upside Down imagery. It also confirms that the series will be leaving Hawkins, ID. The promo ends with “We’re Not In Hawkins Anymore” with the sound of Westminster Chimes, which is used in places around the world but is most closely associated with the UK’s Big Ben.
It was also announced Netflix has signed Stranger Things series creators and showrunners The Duffer Brothers to a big multi-year film and series overall deal. According to Deadline, the deal is “comparable to the five-year, nine-figure overall pact Netflix recently signed with Game Of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
The announcement came with a promo video giving us some Upside Down imagery. It also confirms that the series will be leaving Hawkins, ID. The promo ends with “We’re Not In Hawkins Anymore” with the sound of Westminster Chimes, which is used in places around the world but is most closely associated with the UK’s Big Ben.
It was also announced Netflix has signed Stranger Things series creators and showrunners The Duffer Brothers to a big multi-year film and series overall deal. According to Deadline, the deal is “comparable to the five-year, nine-figure overall pact Netflix recently signed with Game Of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
- 9/30/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
There is still relatively little way to know just how many people watch any given show on Netflix.
But while those numbers aren't as transparent as we might like them to be, when a show oozes into popular culture the way Stranger Things does, we can guess it's right up there with viewership.
So it's no surprise that Netflix announced Stranger Things Season 4 is coming our way.
In addition to the fourth-season pickup, brother Matt and Ross Duffer inked a multi-year film and television deal that could be worth nine figures.
That certainly shows some faith in the Duffer Brothers and Stranger Things!
Stranger Things Season 3 Review: Bigger, Better, and More Heartbreaking Than Ever
If you're wondering how the figures work, Netflix releases what they want you to know.
In July, they announced that over 40 million household accounts had watched at least a portion of Stranger Things Season 3 since it's release.
But while those numbers aren't as transparent as we might like them to be, when a show oozes into popular culture the way Stranger Things does, we can guess it's right up there with viewership.
So it's no surprise that Netflix announced Stranger Things Season 4 is coming our way.
In addition to the fourth-season pickup, brother Matt and Ross Duffer inked a multi-year film and television deal that could be worth nine figures.
That certainly shows some faith in the Duffer Brothers and Stranger Things!
Stranger Things Season 3 Review: Bigger, Better, and More Heartbreaking Than Ever
If you're wondering how the figures work, Netflix releases what they want you to know.
In July, they announced that over 40 million household accounts had watched at least a portion of Stranger Things Season 3 since it's release.
- 9/30/2019
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Netflix is setting another trip to the Upside Down, renewing its flagship series Stranger Things for a fourth season and signing series creators and showrunners The Duffer Brothers to a big multi-year film and series overall deal.
No terms are being disclosed but industry sources estimate that, given the enormous global success of Stranger Things, the deal with the Duffer Brothers would be comparable to the five-year, nine-figure overall pact Netflix recently signed with Game Of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
The Season 4 renewal of Stranger Things was announced with a video, which you can see above. In addition to some Upside Down imagery, it confirms that the series will be partially leaving Hawking, ID and provides a possible clue about a new setting of Season 4. It ends with the words “We’re Not In Hawkins Anymore” to the Westminster Chimes, used by a number of places around the world,...
No terms are being disclosed but industry sources estimate that, given the enormous global success of Stranger Things, the deal with the Duffer Brothers would be comparable to the five-year, nine-figure overall pact Netflix recently signed with Game Of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
The Season 4 renewal of Stranger Things was announced with a video, which you can see above. In addition to some Upside Down imagery, it confirms that the series will be partially leaving Hawking, ID and provides a possible clue about a new setting of Season 4. It ends with the words “We’re Not In Hawkins Anymore” to the Westminster Chimes, used by a number of places around the world,...
- 9/30/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“Stranger Things” creators and showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer, also known as the Duffer Brothers, have officially signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix to create films and television series. It should come as no surprise, then, that the show has been renewed for a fourth season at the streaming service.
“We are absolutely thrilled to continue our relationship with Netflix,” said the brothers in a statement. “Ted Sarandos, Cindy Holland, Brian Wright, and Matt Thunell took a huge chance on us and our show — and forever changed our lives. From our first pitch meeting to the release of Stranger Things 3, the entire team at Netflix has been nothing short of sensational, providing us with the kind of support, guidance, and creative freedom we always dreamed about. We can’t wait to tell many more stories together — beginning, of course, with a return trip to Hawkins!”
The twin brothers’ agreement...
“We are absolutely thrilled to continue our relationship with Netflix,” said the brothers in a statement. “Ted Sarandos, Cindy Holland, Brian Wright, and Matt Thunell took a huge chance on us and our show — and forever changed our lives. From our first pitch meeting to the release of Stranger Things 3, the entire team at Netflix has been nothing short of sensational, providing us with the kind of support, guidance, and creative freedom we always dreamed about. We can’t wait to tell many more stories together — beginning, of course, with a return trip to Hawkins!”
The twin brothers’ agreement...
- 9/30/2019
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
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