Macro Television Studios is producing “Swordplay,” a fantasy drama series based on original idea by Jonathan and Josh Baker. The Baker brothers developed the series alongside Macro, Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips. Lucien Christian Adderly and Richard “Byrd” Wilson serve as series creators, and Glen Mazzara will showrun.
“Swordplay” follows a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew as they lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
A veteran showrunner, Mazzara’s credits include “The Shield,” “The Walking Dead” and “Damien.” It is therefore notable that he’s boarded “Swordplay” this early in the process, supporting early-career filmmakers such as the Baker Brothers. The Bakershad their feature film debut with “Kin,” based on their short film “Bag Man.” Jack Reynor, Zoe Kravitz, Dennis Quaid, James Franco and Myles Truitt starred in the feature.
“Swordplay” follows a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew as they lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
A veteran showrunner, Mazzara’s credits include “The Shield,” “The Walking Dead” and “Damien.” It is therefore notable that he’s boarded “Swordplay” this early in the process, supporting early-career filmmakers such as the Baker Brothers. The Bakershad their feature film debut with “Kin,” based on their short film “Bag Man.” Jack Reynor, Zoe Kravitz, Dennis Quaid, James Franco and Myles Truitt starred in the feature.
- 9/12/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
‘Swordplay’ Fantasy Series From The Baker Brothers, Lucien & Byrd And Glen Mazzara In Works At Macro
Macro Television Studios is set to produce Swordplay, an action fantasy drama series based on an original idea by Jonathan and Josh Baker aka The Baker Brothers (Kin).
The series was developed by The Baker Brothers, Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips along with Macro Television Studios. Lucien Christian Adderly & Richard “Byrd” Wilson aka Lucien & Byrd (David Makes Man) were brought in to create the series and Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead) to showrun.
In Swordplay, a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
Lucien & Byrd are creators, writers and executive producers. The Baker Brothers are directors/executive producers. Mazzara is executive producer and showrunner.
Also executive producing are Macro Television Studios’ Charles D. King, Marta Fernandez and Ahmadou Seck; Angry Hero’s Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips.
The series was developed by The Baker Brothers, Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips along with Macro Television Studios. Lucien Christian Adderly & Richard “Byrd” Wilson aka Lucien & Byrd (David Makes Man) were brought in to create the series and Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead) to showrun.
In Swordplay, a sheltered teen and his newly befriended Hypebeast crew lace up their retro kicks and go for glory with an ancient sword used to defeat otherworldly creatures on the streets of LA.
Lucien & Byrd are creators, writers and executive producers. The Baker Brothers are directors/executive producers. Mazzara is executive producer and showrunner.
Also executive producing are Macro Television Studios’ Charles D. King, Marta Fernandez and Ahmadou Seck; Angry Hero’s Hebru Brantley and Eric Phillips.
- 9/12/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
As it enters a new phase with the direct-to-consumer streaming service Discovery+ among its offerings, Discovery has made two key distribution appointments.
Michele Barney has been named president of affiliate distribution and Eric Phillips will move into to the newly created role of president of global distribution strategy.
In her new position, Barney succeeds Phillips, who held the post since 2013. She will report to Bruce Campbell, Chief Development, Distribution & Legal Officer. Phillips will continue to report to Campbell and also work closely with Jb Perrette, President and CEO of Discovery International, along with the International leadership team.
Barney comes to Discovery from AT&T, where she was SVP of Content and Programming. She handled distribution agreements across all AT&T video and mobile platforms for linear and on-demand content, apps, TV Everywhere, SVOD providers and premium movie services. At Discovery, she will oversee strategy and distribution for Discovery’s network portfolio and content in the U.
Michele Barney has been named president of affiliate distribution and Eric Phillips will move into to the newly created role of president of global distribution strategy.
In her new position, Barney succeeds Phillips, who held the post since 2013. She will report to Bruce Campbell, Chief Development, Distribution & Legal Officer. Phillips will continue to report to Campbell and also work closely with Jb Perrette, President and CEO of Discovery International, along with the International leadership team.
Barney comes to Discovery from AT&T, where she was SVP of Content and Programming. She handled distribution agreements across all AT&T video and mobile platforms for linear and on-demand content, apps, TV Everywhere, SVOD providers and premium movie services. At Discovery, she will oversee strategy and distribution for Discovery’s network portfolio and content in the U.
- 1/6/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery has locked in a new leadership team for distribution worldwide and in the U.S.
The company has named Eric Phillips to the new post of president, global distribution strategy. Michele Barney, who joins Discovery from AT&T, will take on Phillips’ previous role as president of affiliate distribution.
In his new position, Phillips will oversee strategy, approach and relationships for the company’s global distribution platforms, foremost Discovery Plus, the direct to consumer service that launched Jan. 4. A veteran of the company, he joined Discovery in 2002, and had served in his previous role since 2013. He will continue to work with Bruce Campbell, chief development, distribution and legal officer for Discovery, and will work closely with Jb Perrette, president and CEO of Discovery International.
“Eric is an outstanding executive who has contributed enormously to Discovery’s growth into one of the most formidable TV brand portfolios among distributors,” said Campbell.
The company has named Eric Phillips to the new post of president, global distribution strategy. Michele Barney, who joins Discovery from AT&T, will take on Phillips’ previous role as president of affiliate distribution.
In his new position, Phillips will oversee strategy, approach and relationships for the company’s global distribution platforms, foremost Discovery Plus, the direct to consumer service that launched Jan. 4. A veteran of the company, he joined Discovery in 2002, and had served in his previous role since 2013. He will continue to work with Bruce Campbell, chief development, distribution and legal officer for Discovery, and will work closely with Jb Perrette, president and CEO of Discovery International.
“Eric is an outstanding executive who has contributed enormously to Discovery’s growth into one of the most formidable TV brand portfolios among distributors,” said Campbell.
- 1/6/2021
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Discovery has promoted Eric Phillips to the newly created role of president of global distribution strategy, the company announced Wednesday.
In his new position, Phillips will oversee strategy and relationship management for the company’s global digital platforms, including the newly launched Discovery+ streaming service.
AT&T’s Michele Barney has been tapped to replace Phillips as president of affiliate distribution. Both will report to Bruce Campbell, chief development, distribution and legal officer.
“Eric is an outstanding executive who has contributed enormously to Discovery’s growth into one of the most formidable TV brand portfolios among distributors,” Campbell said in a statement. “In his new role, Eric’s leadership will be key as our company accelerates its pivot to Dtc while seizing opportunities to further scale our reach globally.”
Added J.B. Perrette, president and CEO of Discovery International, “Eric has unparalleled commercial partnership experience, and we will greatly benefit from...
In his new position, Phillips will oversee strategy and relationship management for the company’s global digital platforms, including the newly launched Discovery+ streaming service.
AT&T’s Michele Barney has been tapped to replace Phillips as president of affiliate distribution. Both will report to Bruce Campbell, chief development, distribution and legal officer.
“Eric is an outstanding executive who has contributed enormously to Discovery’s growth into one of the most formidable TV brand portfolios among distributors,” Campbell said in a statement. “In his new role, Eric’s leadership will be key as our company accelerates its pivot to Dtc while seizing opportunities to further scale our reach globally.”
Added J.B. Perrette, president and CEO of Discovery International, “Eric has unparalleled commercial partnership experience, and we will greatly benefit from...
- 1/6/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Discovery and FuboTV have announced a new, multi-year carriage agreement that will bring 13 Discovery networks to Fubo’s streaming service in the coming weeks.
The deal extends the relationship between the companies that dates back before the 2018 acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive by Discovery. The prior arrangement included carriage of Scripps’ five networks, including Hgtv and Food Network.
While it is smaller than rival “virtual MVPDs” such as Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Hulu and YouTube, Fubo has posted steady growth since its 2015 launch. Since completing a carriage deal with YouTube TV last April, Discovery has boasted about having its networks available via all major “skinny bundles,” often a disproportionate number of the total. Given the growth in the skinny space compared with the eroding world of linear TV subscriptions, the company views it as an important hedge against further pay-tv declines.
“Our...
The deal extends the relationship between the companies that dates back before the 2018 acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive by Discovery. The prior arrangement included carriage of Scripps’ five networks, including Hgtv and Food Network.
While it is smaller than rival “virtual MVPDs” such as Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Hulu and YouTube, Fubo has posted steady growth since its 2015 launch. Since completing a carriage deal with YouTube TV last April, Discovery has boasted about having its networks available via all major “skinny bundles,” often a disproportionate number of the total. Given the growth in the skinny space compared with the eroding world of linear TV subscriptions, the company views it as an important hedge against further pay-tv declines.
“Our...
- 6/19/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery, Inc. and FuboTV said they have struck a multi-year deal that brings 13 of the cable-programmer’s networks to Fubo’s live-tv streaming service in coming weeks.
The agreement extends a relationship that had been in place between Fubo and the former Scripps Networks Interactive, which Discovery acquired in 2018. That pact included carriage of five networks including Hgtv and Food Network.
Under terms of the agreement, Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet, Own: Oprah Winfrey Network and MotorTrend will be available on Fubo’s base package, Fubo Standard, joining Hgtv, Food Network and Travel Channel which are already available on the service.
At the same time, an expanded suite of Discovery networks including Science Channel, Destination America, Discovery Family, American Heroes Channel, and Discovery Life will be added to Fubo’s add-on package, Fubo Extra, where they will join Diy Network and Cooking Channel. Discovery en Espanol and...
The agreement extends a relationship that had been in place between Fubo and the former Scripps Networks Interactive, which Discovery acquired in 2018. That pact included carriage of five networks including Hgtv and Food Network.
Under terms of the agreement, Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet, Own: Oprah Winfrey Network and MotorTrend will be available on Fubo’s base package, Fubo Standard, joining Hgtv, Food Network and Travel Channel which are already available on the service.
At the same time, an expanded suite of Discovery networks including Science Channel, Destination America, Discovery Family, American Heroes Channel, and Discovery Life will be added to Fubo’s add-on package, Fubo Extra, where they will join Diy Network and Cooking Channel. Discovery en Espanol and...
- 6/19/2019
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Visual artist Hebru Brantley has signed a blind script deal with Sony Pictures Television, through his production company, Angry Hero Entertainment.
Brantley’s paintings, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide such as London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland and Art Basel Miami. Collectors of his work include LeBron James, Jay-z, George Lucas, and more. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Hublot, and Adidas.
Brantley uses characters in his narrative-driven work to delve in to ideas surrounding nostalgia, the mental psyche, power, and hope. A major inspiration for his work includes the Afro Cobra movement in 1960s-1970s Chicago South Side, which celebrated the Black community and its achievements in literature, theater, dance, and the visual arts. Brantley uses murals and graffitis as a framework, and applies both traditional and unconventional materials, from oil, acrylic, and spray paint, to coffee and tea.
Brantley’s paintings, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide such as London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland and Art Basel Miami. Collectors of his work include LeBron James, Jay-z, George Lucas, and more. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Hublot, and Adidas.
Brantley uses characters in his narrative-driven work to delve in to ideas surrounding nostalgia, the mental psyche, power, and hope. A major inspiration for his work includes the Afro Cobra movement in 1960s-1970s Chicago South Side, which celebrated the Black community and its achievements in literature, theater, dance, and the visual arts. Brantley uses murals and graffitis as a framework, and applies both traditional and unconventional materials, from oil, acrylic, and spray paint, to coffee and tea.
- 10/4/2018
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Visual artist Hebru Brantley has signed a blind script deal with Sony Pictures TV through his Angry Hero Entertainment production company and set his first project. Details are being kept under wraps. Eric Phillips will serve as producer on the project and oversee for Angry Hero Entertainment.
Collectors of Brantley’s work include LeBron James, Jay-z, Chance the Rapper, Lenny Kravitz, George Lucas, and Rahm Emanuel, among others. His painting, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide, including London, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland, Art Basel Miami, Scope NYC and Frieze London. He has collaborated with brands including Nike, Hublot and Adidas.
Brantley is currently developing his iconic Flyboy character with Gigi Pritzker and Mwm Universe, as well as features Kankakee with Point Grey, and Hype with Peter Chernin, among others.
Brantley is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham.
Collectors of Brantley’s work include LeBron James, Jay-z, Chance the Rapper, Lenny Kravitz, George Lucas, and Rahm Emanuel, among others. His painting, photography, video, and sculpture have exhibited worldwide, including London, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Art Basel Switzerland, Art Basel Miami, Scope NYC and Frieze London. He has collaborated with brands including Nike, Hublot and Adidas.
Brantley is currently developing his iconic Flyboy character with Gigi Pritzker and Mwm Universe, as well as features Kankakee with Point Grey, and Hype with Peter Chernin, among others.
Brantley is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham.
- 10/4/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu and Discovery have set an expanded distribution deal across Hulu’s live TV service as well as its subscription streaming platform.
The deal will bring thousands of hours of Discovery unscripted programming to Hulu, which has previously carried certain Discovery titles. It also brings to eight the total number of Discovery networks available on Hulu’s skinny bundle TV package. Beginning in December, Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Motor Trend and Animal Planet will join Hgtv, Food Network and Travel Channel on Hulu with Live TV.
There will be 4,000 episodes of shows such as Deadliest Catch, Mythbusters, Say Yes to the Dress, Naked and Afraid, Property Brothers and House Hunters.
Along with the Discovery partnership, Hulu has reached a licensing agreement with Own to bring four of the network’s scripted series exclusively to Hulu, breaking new streaming ground for Oprah Winfrey’s cable network. All past episodes of...
The deal will bring thousands of hours of Discovery unscripted programming to Hulu, which has previously carried certain Discovery titles. It also brings to eight the total number of Discovery networks available on Hulu’s skinny bundle TV package. Beginning in December, Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Motor Trend and Animal Planet will join Hgtv, Food Network and Travel Channel on Hulu with Live TV.
There will be 4,000 episodes of shows such as Deadliest Catch, Mythbusters, Say Yes to the Dress, Naked and Afraid, Property Brothers and House Hunters.
Along with the Discovery partnership, Hulu has reached a licensing agreement with Own to bring four of the network’s scripted series exclusively to Hulu, breaking new streaming ground for Oprah Winfrey’s cable network. All past episodes of...
- 9/12/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
After well over a year of haggling, Hulu clinched a pact with Discovery to bring five of the cabler’s networks to Hulu’s live-streaming internet TV lineup along with thousands of on-demand episodes.
The companies had been in talks on an agreement since before Hulu launched its over-the-top streaming TV service in May 2017.
The multiyear deal will bring five additional Discovery networks to Hulu With Live TV, set to be available to subscribers starting in December 2018: Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Motor Trend (the rebranded Velocity) and Animal Planet. Hulu has an existing distribution pact with Scripps Networks Interactive — now owned by Discovery — for Hgtv, Food Network and Travel Channel.
Under the pact, Hulu will boost its on-demand lineup with Discovery shows, expanding to nearly 4,000 episodes from the non-fiction programmer. Hulu will be the exclusive subscription streaming home for several unscripted Discovery shows, including “Deadliest Catch” (pictured above), “Say Yes to the Dress,...
The companies had been in talks on an agreement since before Hulu launched its over-the-top streaming TV service in May 2017.
The multiyear deal will bring five additional Discovery networks to Hulu With Live TV, set to be available to subscribers starting in December 2018: Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Motor Trend (the rebranded Velocity) and Animal Planet. Hulu has an existing distribution pact with Scripps Networks Interactive — now owned by Discovery — for Hgtv, Food Network and Travel Channel.
Under the pact, Hulu will boost its on-demand lineup with Discovery shows, expanding to nearly 4,000 episodes from the non-fiction programmer. Hulu will be the exclusive subscription streaming home for several unscripted Discovery shows, including “Deadliest Catch” (pictured above), “Say Yes to the Dress,...
- 9/12/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
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