“The Zone of Interest” director Jonathan Glazer has donated signed posters to the Cinema for Gaza auction, which has collected gifts from major names in the U.K. entertainment industry to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Before the fundraiser officially began on Tuesday, Glazer and “Zone of Interest” producer James Wilson donated seven “Zone of Interest” posters and a selection of posters from his 2014 film “Under the Skin.” The posters will be signed by Glazer, Wilson and composer Mica Levi, who scored both films. The gift is one of the most in-demand items in the auction, with a current bid of £2,750. The auction has currently raised over £42,000.
Among the gifts announced with the auction were Tilda Swinton reading a bedtime story over Zoom, Josh O’Connor teaching a porridge masterclass and tickets to attend a Ramy Youssef stand-up show and afterparty. More recent additions include a signed “Game of Thrones...
Before the fundraiser officially began on Tuesday, Glazer and “Zone of Interest” producer James Wilson donated seven “Zone of Interest” posters and a selection of posters from his 2014 film “Under the Skin.” The posters will be signed by Glazer, Wilson and composer Mica Levi, who scored both films. The gift is one of the most in-demand items in the auction, with a current bid of £2,750. The auction has currently raised over £42,000.
Among the gifts announced with the auction were Tilda Swinton reading a bedtime story over Zoom, Josh O’Connor teaching a porridge masterclass and tickets to attend a Ramy Youssef stand-up show and afterparty. More recent additions include a signed “Game of Thrones...
- 4/3/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Appearing on the Louis Theroux podcast, as Sharon Stone took Hollywood by storm with her controversial claims of being forced to sleep with Billy Baldwin, new revelations suggest partial involvement of Brad Pitt in the picture. According to recent reports, it has been found out that Pitt supposedly had something to do with Stone and Baldwin’s rivalry.
Sharon Stone in Sliver (1993)
Taking to the epicenter, Sliver director Phillip Noyce broke his silence on Sharon Stone and Billy Baldwin’s escalating feud. Dragging Brad Pitt into the war over allegations, Noyce reported that the initial disappointment began after Pitt refused to star alongside Stone in the box office bomb.
Sharon Stone’s Bombshell Revelation Surrounding Billy Baldwin
Following her career-launching performance in the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, Sharon Stone proceeded to appear in a similar movie – Sliver – in 1993. But unlike the first film, Phillip Noyce’s erotic thriller surprisingly turned...
Sharon Stone in Sliver (1993)
Taking to the epicenter, Sliver director Phillip Noyce broke his silence on Sharon Stone and Billy Baldwin’s escalating feud. Dragging Brad Pitt into the war over allegations, Noyce reported that the initial disappointment began after Pitt refused to star alongside Stone in the box office bomb.
Sharon Stone’s Bombshell Revelation Surrounding Billy Baldwin
Following her career-launching performance in the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, Sharon Stone proceeded to appear in a similar movie – Sliver – in 1993. But unlike the first film, Phillip Noyce’s erotic thriller surprisingly turned...
- 3/17/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
William Baldwin and Sharon Stone’s heated feud goes back to the 1990s before her startling claim of being pressured to sleep with the former to improve their on-screen chemistry in the 1993 erotic thriller movie, Sliver came to the surface. However, the former hasn’t kept quiet on this matter as he clapped back at those claims, adding that he too has a fair amount of dirt on her.
William Baldwin, Sharon Stone in Sliver
While their feud garners public interest, William Baldwin’s elder brother, Alec Baldwin, fights for his reputation over the on-set shooting death of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
William Baldwin Claps Back at Sharon Stone’s Claims
William Baldwin and Sharon Stone in a still from the film Sliver
The 61-year-old actor took to X to respond to Sliver co-star Sharon Stone‘s heated claims about the late producer, Robert Evans suggesting she sleep with...
William Baldwin, Sharon Stone in Sliver
While their feud garners public interest, William Baldwin’s elder brother, Alec Baldwin, fights for his reputation over the on-set shooting death of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
William Baldwin Claps Back at Sharon Stone’s Claims
William Baldwin and Sharon Stone in a still from the film Sliver
The 61-year-old actor took to X to respond to Sliver co-star Sharon Stone‘s heated claims about the late producer, Robert Evans suggesting she sleep with...
- 3/15/2024
- by Priya Sharma
- FandomWire
Robert Pattinson is undoubtedly one of the best actors in the world, who has accomplished a lot in his career. After all, his career didn’t necessarily have the best of starts. However, he has improved a lot over the years thanks to his wide variety of roles. Unfortunately, it appears as though his devoted fans once made life hell for FKA Twigs.
Twilight
Robert Pattinson’s most infamous role as Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise remains a black mark on his career, as many labeled him as the ‘sparkly vampire’ who couldn’t act to save his life. Thankfully, the general perception has changed a lot.
FKA Twigs Was Subjected to Racism From Fans of One Particular Actor FKA Twigs
In an interview with Louis Theroux for his Grounded podcast, FKA Twigs candidly discussed the hurtful and ignorant abuse she endured, attributing it to fans of her former partner,...
Twilight
Robert Pattinson’s most infamous role as Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise remains a black mark on his career, as many labeled him as the ‘sparkly vampire’ who couldn’t act to save his life. Thankfully, the general perception has changed a lot.
FKA Twigs Was Subjected to Racism From Fans of One Particular Actor FKA Twigs
In an interview with Louis Theroux for his Grounded podcast, FKA Twigs candidly discussed the hurtful and ignorant abuse she endured, attributing it to fans of her former partner,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Basic Instinct actress Sharon Stone recently revealed an uncomfortable situation that occurred while filming the 1993 movie Sliver. According to Stone, the film’s producer, the late Robert Evans, allegedly pressured her into having a personal relationship with her co-star Billy Baldwin and sleeping with him.
Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct
Stone claims this suggestion was made to improve on-screen chemistry. However, she felt the request was inappropriate and unprofessional. She even reportedly offered alternative solutions, proposing the casting of a different actor altogether. She also said that Evans called her into his office to put more pressure on her.
Suggested“I did not think that you would see my v*gina in this scene”: Sharon Stone Was Tricked into Doing Iconic Leg-Crossing Scene in Basic Instinct
Meanwhile, Billy Baldwin has publicly refuted all these. The 61-year-old actor expressed his frustration and disapproval towards Stone’s claims.
Sharon Stone Claimed...
Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct
Stone claims this suggestion was made to improve on-screen chemistry. However, she felt the request was inappropriate and unprofessional. She even reportedly offered alternative solutions, proposing the casting of a different actor altogether. She also said that Evans called her into his office to put more pressure on her.
Suggested“I did not think that you would see my v*gina in this scene”: Sharon Stone Was Tricked into Doing Iconic Leg-Crossing Scene in Basic Instinct
Meanwhile, Billy Baldwin has publicly refuted all these. The 61-year-old actor expressed his frustration and disapproval towards Stone’s claims.
Sharon Stone Claimed...
- 3/13/2024
- by Prantik Prabal Roy
- FandomWire
‘Basic Instinct’ Fame Sharon Stone Makes Shocking Revelations; Billy Baldwin Strikes Back ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone has taken the media by storm as she reveals the producer’s name who asked her to sleep with co-star Billy Baldwin to make their film, Silver, work at the box office. The accused producer passed away a few years back, but Billy has slammed Sharon for her blasphemous claims. Keep scrolling for more.
Stone became popular for femme fatale roles in films and television. She made her movie debut with Stardust Memories by Woody Allen and was an extra. She is famous for her erotic thriller Basic Instinct opposite Michael Douglas. Stone earned her Academy Award nomination for her performance in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama Casino. For the unversed, Billy is the brother of movie star Alec Baldwin.
Sharon Stone recently appeared on Louis Theroux’s podcast and...
Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone has taken the media by storm as she reveals the producer’s name who asked her to sleep with co-star Billy Baldwin to make their film, Silver, work at the box office. The accused producer passed away a few years back, but Billy has slammed Sharon for her blasphemous claims. Keep scrolling for more.
Stone became popular for femme fatale roles in films and television. She made her movie debut with Stardust Memories by Woody Allen and was an extra. She is famous for her erotic thriller Basic Instinct opposite Michael Douglas. Stone earned her Academy Award nomination for her performance in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama Casino. For the unversed, Billy is the brother of movie star Alec Baldwin.
Sharon Stone recently appeared on Louis Theroux’s podcast and...
- 3/13/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
Sharon Stone has been associated with some of the sexiest moments in screen history, with hormones practically radiating off the screen in “Basic Instinct” and “Total Recall.” But there’s one occasion where chemistry with her costar did not come across, and on Louis Theroux’s podcast she revealed late producer Robert Evans’ coercive suggestion to correct that.
Evans, who died at 89 in 2019, suggested that she have sex with her “Sliver” costar Billy Baldwin. Then, surely, they’d have true chemistry.
“He’s running around his office in sunglasses explaining to me that he slept with Ava Gardner and I should sleep with Billy Baldwin, because if I slept with Billy Baldwin, Billy Baldwin’s performance would get better,” she said.
“And we needed Billy to get better in the movie because that was the problem. And if I could sleep with Billy then we’d have chemistry on screen,...
Evans, who died at 89 in 2019, suggested that she have sex with her “Sliver” costar Billy Baldwin. Then, surely, they’d have true chemistry.
“He’s running around his office in sunglasses explaining to me that he slept with Ava Gardner and I should sleep with Billy Baldwin, because if I slept with Billy Baldwin, Billy Baldwin’s performance would get better,” she said.
“And we needed Billy to get better in the movie because that was the problem. And if I could sleep with Billy then we’d have chemistry on screen,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Adult Film Star Kagney Linn Karter Dies At 36 (Picture Credit: Instagram)
Kagney Linn Karter was a popular name in the adult film industry who passed away by suicide, as per media reports. Her friends have organized a fund-raising campaign for her memorial services. She was only thirty-six years old. She was also active on her social media handle a few days ago, sharing pictures and videos.
Karter was born in Texas and was raised in Missouri. In 2007, she won the state’s Deja Vu showgirl honor with her erotic dancing skills. Karter moved to California to pursue acting and singing as her career. She started working as an exotic dancer, which resulted in a fall-out with her manager, and after some time, she started modeling after signing a contract with LA Direct Models. She joined the adult film industry in 2008, and one of her first stints was with Johnny Sins.
Kagney Linn Karter was a popular name in the adult film industry who passed away by suicide, as per media reports. Her friends have organized a fund-raising campaign for her memorial services. She was only thirty-six years old. She was also active on her social media handle a few days ago, sharing pictures and videos.
Karter was born in Texas and was raised in Missouri. In 2007, she won the state’s Deja Vu showgirl honor with her erotic dancing skills. Karter moved to California to pursue acting and singing as her career. She started working as an exotic dancer, which resulted in a fall-out with her manager, and after some time, she started modeling after signing a contract with LA Direct Models. She joined the adult film industry in 2008, and one of her first stints was with Johnny Sins.
- 2/20/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
‘Am I Being Unreasonable?’ Producer’s Development Boss Joins Sky
The Head of Development at Am I Being Unreasonable? producer Boffola Pictures is joining Sky Studios next month. Emily Allen will become Commissioning Executive for Comedy within Alex Moody’s Sky Studios comedy commissioning team and will have responsibility for ordering Sky original comedies from indies. She will join from Boffola Pictures, the indie run by former BBC comedy heads Shane Allen and Kate Daughton that produces BAFTA-winning Daisy May Cooper show Am I Being Unreasonable?. Prior to Boffola, she worked in the BBC comedy team. Sky original comedies launching in 2024 include Mr Bigstuff, which stars Danny Dyer, and comedy-drama Small Town, Big Story, written and directed by Chris O’Dowd, and starring Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine. Brassic will also return for a sixth season. The news comes a few days after Sky Studios slimmed down its structure by unifying...
The Head of Development at Am I Being Unreasonable? producer Boffola Pictures is joining Sky Studios next month. Emily Allen will become Commissioning Executive for Comedy within Alex Moody’s Sky Studios comedy commissioning team and will have responsibility for ordering Sky original comedies from indies. She will join from Boffola Pictures, the indie run by former BBC comedy heads Shane Allen and Kate Daughton that produces BAFTA-winning Daisy May Cooper show Am I Being Unreasonable?. Prior to Boffola, she worked in the BBC comedy team. Sky original comedies launching in 2024 include Mr Bigstuff, which stars Danny Dyer, and comedy-drama Small Town, Big Story, written and directed by Chris O’Dowd, and starring Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine. Brassic will also return for a sixth season. The news comes a few days after Sky Studios slimmed down its structure by unifying...
- 2/12/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tell Them You Love Me explores the story of a controversial affair between Anna Stubblefield, a white university professor, and Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal Black man with cerebral palsy. Stubblefield claimed she and Johnson had fallen in love, but when his family found out about their intimate relationship, she was arrested, and in 2015 stood trial facing charges of aggravated sexual assault.
Ahead of the film bowing on Sky, filmmaker Nick August-Perna sat down with Deadline, alongside Louis Theroux and Arron Fellows, who produced through their Mindhouse banner. The trio spoke about bringing such a multi-faceted story to the screen, capturing both sides authentically, and why festivals just didn’t get it.
“It’s not often that a story comes along that has so many equal parts that are tugging at each other very forcefully, whether it be race or disability or gender,” August-Perna says about the feature documentary.
There...
Ahead of the film bowing on Sky, filmmaker Nick August-Perna sat down with Deadline, alongside Louis Theroux and Arron Fellows, who produced through their Mindhouse banner. The trio spoke about bringing such a multi-faceted story to the screen, capturing both sides authentically, and why festivals just didn’t get it.
“It’s not often that a story comes along that has so many equal parts that are tugging at each other very forcefully, whether it be race or disability or gender,” August-Perna says about the feature documentary.
There...
- 1/29/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A two-part Netflix documentary from Louis Theroux’s production biz will tell the story of the victims of a prolific UK cyberstalker and how they ultimately helped bring him to justice.
Dropping on Netflix globally on February 21, Can I Tell You A Secret? will tell the harrowing real-life story of the victims of serial cyberstalker Matthew Hardy. Told using testimony from the women, it will detail the terrifying and sustained online harassment they endured and how his crimes tore lives apart.
In January 2022, Hardy was jailed for nine years, the longest sentence ever doled out in the UK for online stalking. The court heard how he would create fake social media accounts before contacting people with the beguiling message, ‘Can I tell you a secret?’ He went on to send messages to victims and their friends and family that sowed discord and created heartache, frequently with horrible consequences.
The...
Dropping on Netflix globally on February 21, Can I Tell You A Secret? will tell the harrowing real-life story of the victims of serial cyberstalker Matthew Hardy. Told using testimony from the women, it will detail the terrifying and sustained online harassment they endured and how his crimes tore lives apart.
In January 2022, Hardy was jailed for nine years, the longest sentence ever doled out in the UK for online stalking. The court heard how he would create fake social media accounts before contacting people with the beguiling message, ‘Can I tell you a secret?’ He went on to send messages to victims and their friends and family that sowed discord and created heartache, frequently with horrible consequences.
The...
- 1/24/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
Jon Ronson has forged a second series of his Things Fell Apart podcast, this time around focusing on conspiracy theories in the Covid 19 era.
The second season of the hit BBC Sounds show will launch next week, with eight stories focusing on “new battle lines in the culture wars which ignited during lockdown.”
“From covid conspiracies and Antifa hysteria, to racial and gender identity politics, free speech and protests against lockdown that spiralled out of control,” adds the logline.
Ronson said: “Recent months have shown that we’re living in post truth times where all sorts of lies are allowed to flourish for all sorts of reasons, and many people are guilty of that from across the political spectrum. What the podcast is about in the end is that we have to hold on to truth like driftwood or else we’ll drown.”
Things Fell Apart Season 1 won a Broadcasting Press Guild Award,...
The second season of the hit BBC Sounds show will launch next week, with eight stories focusing on “new battle lines in the culture wars which ignited during lockdown.”
“From covid conspiracies and Antifa hysteria, to racial and gender identity politics, free speech and protests against lockdown that spiralled out of control,” adds the logline.
Ronson said: “Recent months have shown that we’re living in post truth times where all sorts of lies are allowed to flourish for all sorts of reasons, and many people are guilty of that from across the political spectrum. What the podcast is about in the end is that we have to hold on to truth like driftwood or else we’ll drown.”
Things Fell Apart Season 1 won a Broadcasting Press Guild Award,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline is continuing to bolster its formidable international ranks with the hire of respected industry vet Stewart Clarke, recent Creative Director of the Edinburgh TV Festival and former international correspondent at Variety.
Clarke is joining Deadline as SVP, Content, International. Based in London, he will contribute to editorial and work closely with Deadline’s SVP Global Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Celine Rotterman, and International Features Editor Diana Lodderhose, to help grow Deadline’s international business opportunities.
Clarke, who starts Monday (Dec 11), will report to Deadline’s President Ellie Duque and collaborate with the overseas team, including International Editor, Andreas Wiseman, who oversees international editorial.
“Stewart’s unique background as a seasoned trade reporter and accomplished festival executive makes him a perfect addition to Deadline’s formidable international team,” said Deadline co-editors in chief Nellie Andreeva and Mike Fleming, Jr. “He had been on our wish list for awhile, and we...
Clarke is joining Deadline as SVP, Content, International. Based in London, he will contribute to editorial and work closely with Deadline’s SVP Global Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Celine Rotterman, and International Features Editor Diana Lodderhose, to help grow Deadline’s international business opportunities.
Clarke, who starts Monday (Dec 11), will report to Deadline’s President Ellie Duque and collaborate with the overseas team, including International Editor, Andreas Wiseman, who oversees international editorial.
“Stewart’s unique background as a seasoned trade reporter and accomplished festival executive makes him a perfect addition to Deadline’s formidable international team,” said Deadline co-editors in chief Nellie Andreeva and Mike Fleming, Jr. “He had been on our wish list for awhile, and we...
- 12/8/2023
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicken Shop Date host Amelia Dimoldenberg joining Sean Evans on Hot Ones might be the most epic Spiderman meme-level crossover since the reunion of all three actual Spidermen. The two chicken-based interview series hosts have provided the internet with an endless stream of off-guard celebrity content for years on their respective online shows — but they’ve never sat down with one another until now.
Dimoldenberg was up first, taking on Evans’ hot questions and even hotter wings in the first installment of their crossover. Unlike usual Hot Ones guests, the...
Dimoldenberg was up first, taking on Evans’ hot questions and even hotter wings in the first installment of their crossover. Unlike usual Hot Ones guests, the...
- 11/2/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Welcome to Deadline’s The Hot Ones, our guide to some of the best television being sold at Mipcom next week. Our editorial team has done extensive research in the run-up to the 2023 market and handpicked what we think are sure to be the shows that will be big talking points at this year’s event in Cannes. In between meetings and cocktail parties, you’re sure to hear whispers about the next potential global hit and The Hot Ones is here to guide you. Here’s three top docs headed for the Croisette.
The Playboy Bunny Murders
Distributor: Blue Ant International
Length: 2×60’
Producers: Soho Studios, Future Studios
The Playboy Bunny Murders is a story so pressing that its presenter Marcel Theroux was “going to do it whether there was a TV commission or not,” says executive producer John Farrar of the Itvx two-parter.
Theroux, older brother of recent MacTaggart lecture giver Louis Theroux,...
The Playboy Bunny Murders
Distributor: Blue Ant International
Length: 2×60’
Producers: Soho Studios, Future Studios
The Playboy Bunny Murders is a story so pressing that its presenter Marcel Theroux was “going to do it whether there was a TV commission or not,” says executive producer John Farrar of the Itvx two-parter.
Theroux, older brother of recent MacTaggart lecture giver Louis Theroux,...
- 10/12/2023
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
The fashion, TV and sports worlds were brought together in one spot in London on Tuesday night for the premiere of Beckham, Netflix’s doc series chronicling the life and times of U.K. soccer legend David Beckham.
Anna Wintour was in attendance, as was James Corden and Louis Theroux alongside a host of names from English soccer, plus Beckham himself together with his wife Victoria and their four children (and their respective partners).
The four-part series, directed by Succession star Fisher Stevens, is a deeply personal and intimate exploration of Beckham’s childhood, rise to fame in the late 1990s playing for Manchester United and England, the start of his relationship with former Spice Girl Victoria, plus the emotional circus that ensued as he became a favorite punchbag of the U.K. tabloid press and various infamous moments on and off the field. It’s also the first to be made by Beckham himself,...
Anna Wintour was in attendance, as was James Corden and Louis Theroux alongside a host of names from English soccer, plus Beckham himself together with his wife Victoria and their four children (and their respective partners).
The four-part series, directed by Succession star Fisher Stevens, is a deeply personal and intimate exploration of Beckham’s childhood, rise to fame in the late 1990s playing for Manchester United and England, the start of his relationship with former Spice Girl Victoria, plus the emotional circus that ensued as he became a favorite punchbag of the U.K. tabloid press and various infamous moments on and off the field. It’s also the first to be made by Beckham himself,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Game Show Returns
The British version of the iconic reality TV series “Big Brother,” which first launched 23 years ago, is set to return to ITV screens on Oct. 8. The show is hosted by Aj Odudu and Will Best and produced by Initial, part of Banijay U.K. “Big Brother: The Launch” will air on ITV1, ITV2 and streamer Itvx, while the remainder of the series will be available nightly at 9pm on ITV2 and Itvx, except Saturdays.
“Big Brother” will be followed each night by “Big Brother: Late & Live,” hosted live by Odudu and Best from the site of the Big Brother house in front of a studio audience, where evictees will be interviewed. Following this, “Big Brother: Live Stream” will stream live footage seven nights a week on Itvx.
The Banijay format is popular globally with some 500 seasons of the show having aired around the world in 64 countries and regions.
The British version of the iconic reality TV series “Big Brother,” which first launched 23 years ago, is set to return to ITV screens on Oct. 8. The show is hosted by Aj Odudu and Will Best and produced by Initial, part of Banijay U.K. “Big Brother: The Launch” will air on ITV1, ITV2 and streamer Itvx, while the remainder of the series will be available nightly at 9pm on ITV2 and Itvx, except Saturdays.
“Big Brother” will be followed each night by “Big Brother: Late & Live,” hosted live by Odudu and Best from the site of the Big Brother house in front of a studio audience, where evictees will be interviewed. Following this, “Big Brother: Live Stream” will stream live footage seven nights a week on Itvx.
The Banijay format is popular globally with some 500 seasons of the show having aired around the world in 64 countries and regions.
- 9/25/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The 2023 edition of the Edinburgh TV Festival is drawing to a close after four days of intense industry talks, gossip and Louis Theroux lectures. The halls of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre were buzzing as UK execs, creatives and talent took the chance to get together and talk shop. Here we outline six key themes that emerged.
“Ripple effect” of the strikes
No TV industry confab would be complete at present without a bit of strike chatter. As the writers strike moves way beyond 100 days and the actors’ action rumbles on, the “ripple effects” continue to be felt around the world, according to Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s new Drama Director. There was a small American presence at Edinburgh plus numerous UK commmissioners from the U.S. streamers’ hubs but, somewhat surprisingly, the labor action was not raised during panel sessions with both Netflix and Disney execs. Universal’s Pearlena Igbokwe,...
“Ripple effect” of the strikes
No TV industry confab would be complete at present without a bit of strike chatter. As the writers strike moves way beyond 100 days and the actors’ action rumbles on, the “ripple effects” continue to be felt around the world, according to Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s new Drama Director. There was a small American presence at Edinburgh plus numerous UK commmissioners from the U.S. streamers’ hubs but, somewhat surprisingly, the labor action was not raised during panel sessions with both Netflix and Disney execs. Universal’s Pearlena Igbokwe,...
- 8/25/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The morning after his MacTaggart, Louis Theroux has called out the “right-skewing press” and “vested interests” who want to defund the BBC.
The celebrated documentarian delivered the annual address last night, during which he said an “atmosphere of anxiety” is leading to “less confident filmmaking,” while he floated that the BBC is at times overly worried of “causing offense.”
Reflecting during his post-MacTaggart session Thursday morning, Theroux said his lecture had “very little that was critical about the BBC” but he expected the press to focus on “one or two small qualifications.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the anti-bbc stuff is out there,” he added, in conversation with Mobeen Azhar.
He floated that there were “three audiences” for his MacTaggart: “one in the room, some in the wider community and then the audience in the press, many of whom are right-skewing press looking for anything they can use to defund the BBC.
The celebrated documentarian delivered the annual address last night, during which he said an “atmosphere of anxiety” is leading to “less confident filmmaking,” while he floated that the BBC is at times overly worried of “causing offense.”
Reflecting during his post-MacTaggart session Thursday morning, Theroux said his lecture had “very little that was critical about the BBC” but he expected the press to focus on “one or two small qualifications.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the anti-bbc stuff is out there,” he added, in conversation with Mobeen Azhar.
He floated that there were “three audiences” for his MacTaggart: “one in the room, some in the wider community and then the audience in the press, many of whom are right-skewing press looking for anything they can use to defund the BBC.
- 8/24/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Renowned British documentarian Louis Theroux, who has been a staple on U.K. TV and radio for more than two decades, used the flagship address of the 2023 Edinburgh TV Festival to speak about concerns over artificial intelligence in the industry, claiming that he found the new world — one where there were “valid concerns” from writers about “robots cannibalizing their creativity” — both “troubling and exciting in roughly equal measure.”
As the giver of the 2023 James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture — which sees Theroux join a prestigious lineup of former lecturers including Rupert Murdoch, Ted Turner, Michaela Coel and Armando Iannucci — he said that the changing times and raised stakes, where “the manosphere, the conspiracy community, the far-right have real power,” meant that the TV world needed to be “on our mettle to report responsibly.
“But those raised stakes also show how important it is that we do report it, not hide from it...
As the giver of the 2023 James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture — which sees Theroux join a prestigious lineup of former lecturers including Rupert Murdoch, Ted Turner, Michaela Coel and Armando Iannucci — he said that the changing times and raised stakes, where “the manosphere, the conspiracy community, the far-right have real power,” meant that the TV world needed to be “on our mettle to report responsibly.
“But those raised stakes also show how important it is that we do report it, not hide from it...
- 8/23/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Louis Theroux has unveiled a Sky feature documentary exploring the controversial affair between a married female professor and a non-verbal black man with cerebral palsy, which led to one of the most divisive criminal trials of the 21st century.
As he prepares to deliver tomorrow’s Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart address, Tell Them You Love Me looks set to be one of the most high profile shows so far to come from the celebrated documentarian’s Mindhouse Productions.
Co-produced with U.S. streamer Topic and distributed by Kino Lorber in North America and NBCUniversal internationally, the 100-minute feature follows the astounding events that led to a divisive criminal trial, which is described as a “misunderstood love affair or a tale of sexual assault and predatory behaviour.”
When the pair first meet, Anna Stubblefield is a respected academic and a disability rights advocate; passionate in her belief that the most essential...
As he prepares to deliver tomorrow’s Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart address, Tell Them You Love Me looks set to be one of the most high profile shows so far to come from the celebrated documentarian’s Mindhouse Productions.
Co-produced with U.S. streamer Topic and distributed by Kino Lorber in North America and NBCUniversal internationally, the 100-minute feature follows the astounding events that led to a divisive criminal trial, which is described as a “misunderstood love affair or a tale of sexual assault and predatory behaviour.”
When the pair first meet, Anna Stubblefield is a respected academic and a disability rights advocate; passionate in her belief that the most essential...
- 8/22/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
International Insider: Sarajevo Nights; Edinburgh TV Fest Rolls Around; Michael Parkinson Remembered
Afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart bringing you another dose of this here weekly roundup. We’ll be taking a break next week for the August bank holiday but will be back in your inboxes in a fortnight for the new term. In the meantime, sign up here.
Sarajevo Nights
Kaufmanesque: Zac Ntim here reporting on an interesting week in the Bosnian capital… The city’s festival kicked off last Friday with a screening of the U2-inspired Bosnian war documentary Kiss The Future, with U2 frontman Bono making a surprise appearance alongside The Edge and CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour, who also features in the doc. On the ground, the focus quickly shifted toward the festival’s first of three honorary award recipients, writer-director Charlie Kaufman. Sporting a grey WGA-branded ‘strike’ t-shirt, Kaufman led a packed-out masterclass at the fest where he shared some strong opinions about the state of Hollywood. “At this point,...
Sarajevo Nights
Kaufmanesque: Zac Ntim here reporting on an interesting week in the Bosnian capital… The city’s festival kicked off last Friday with a screening of the U2-inspired Bosnian war documentary Kiss The Future, with U2 frontman Bono making a surprise appearance alongside The Edge and CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour, who also features in the doc. On the ground, the focus quickly shifted toward the festival’s first of three honorary award recipients, writer-director Charlie Kaufman. Sporting a grey WGA-branded ‘strike’ t-shirt, Kaufman led a packed-out masterclass at the fest where he shared some strong opinions about the state of Hollywood. “At this point,...
- 8/18/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The best podcast hosts are like friends, but better, because you’ll never have to go to their wedding and can click unsubscribe if they get weird. They’re company when you’re not dressed for company, officemates when you work from home, and family with a pause button.
Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster on the Off Menu podcast are especially good company because they’re funny gluttons. A cheese boy and a dessert boy/genie who, alongside shadowy lever-puller the Great Benito, are the owner-operators of a dream restaurant that asks guests from Dan Aykroyd to Louis Theroux to name their dream starter, main, side dish, drink and dessert, in that order.
If you’ve yet to have the pleasure, do get involved with this pick of the finest Off Menu episodes from the 200 (!) so far. They’ve been expecting you for some time…
20. Jamie Oliver
Throughout the Off Menu podcast,...
Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster on the Off Menu podcast are especially good company because they’re funny gluttons. A cheese boy and a dessert boy/genie who, alongside shadowy lever-puller the Great Benito, are the owner-operators of a dream restaurant that asks guests from Dan Aykroyd to Louis Theroux to name their dream starter, main, side dish, drink and dessert, in that order.
If you’ve yet to have the pleasure, do get involved with this pick of the finest Off Menu episodes from the 200 (!) so far. They’ve been expecting you for some time…
20. Jamie Oliver
Throughout the Off Menu podcast,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Meera Syal is to deliver the Alternative MacTaggart at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Syal also received the BAFTA Fellowship and has appeared in the likes of Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at Number 42 and The Split. She will soon be seen in Acorn’s Mrs. Sindhu Investigates and Prime Video’s Wheel of Time.
“I’m so excited that the wonderful Meera Syal has agreed to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker,” said Edinburgh Advisory Chair Kiran Nataraja. “As an icon who has always been at the forefront of the industry, I know her unique perspective will make for a fascinating and lively session.”
Syal added: “I am delighted to be invited to speak as this year’s Alternative MacTaggart and look forward to sharing some of those untold stories with the wonderful Fatima Salaria.”e
The main MacTaggart will be delivered by Louis Theroux. Other sessions confirmed today...
Syal also received the BAFTA Fellowship and has appeared in the likes of Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at Number 42 and The Split. She will soon be seen in Acorn’s Mrs. Sindhu Investigates and Prime Video’s Wheel of Time.
“I’m so excited that the wonderful Meera Syal has agreed to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker,” said Edinburgh Advisory Chair Kiran Nataraja. “As an icon who has always been at the forefront of the industry, I know her unique perspective will make for a fascinating and lively session.”
Syal added: “I am delighted to be invited to speak as this year’s Alternative MacTaggart and look forward to sharing some of those untold stories with the wonderful Fatima Salaria.”e
The main MacTaggart will be delivered by Louis Theroux. Other sessions confirmed today...
- 7/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Louis Theroux, the renowned British documentarian who has been a staple on U.K. TV and radio for more than two decades, is set to deliver the 2023 James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture, the flagship address of the Edinburgh TV Festival.
While he’s arguably best known in the U.S for his 2015 documentary feature My Scientology Feature (in which he’s seen in several comical altercations with church enforcers), Theroux has been a cult figure and beloved interviewer in the U.K. since the late 1990s for his BBC doc series including as Weird Weekends and When Louis Met…, shows that saw him cover off-beat human experiences as well as hard-hitting subject matters. In his trademark style, Theroux has explored the world of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, plus porn stars, survivalists, swingers and neo-Nazis, and has spent time with several noted individuals (most famously Jimmy Savile, several years before his...
While he’s arguably best known in the U.S for his 2015 documentary feature My Scientology Feature (in which he’s seen in several comical altercations with church enforcers), Theroux has been a cult figure and beloved interviewer in the U.K. since the late 1990s for his BBC doc series including as Weird Weekends and When Louis Met…, shows that saw him cover off-beat human experiences as well as hard-hitting subject matters. In his trademark style, Theroux has explored the world of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, plus porn stars, survivalists, swingers and neo-Nazis, and has spent time with several noted individuals (most famously Jimmy Savile, several years before his...
- 6/29/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Louis Theroux will deliver this year’s James MacTaggart memorial lecture, the flagship address at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The documentary maker, who also founded unscripted production company Mindhouse in 2019, has examined everything from Scientology to porn to neo-Nazis in his films. He has also turned his hand to social media, podcasting and streaming.
Theroux will address the challenges broadcasters face in today’s “multi-platform universe,” how he has maintained longevity after a quarter of a century in the broadcasting industry and the pros and cons of the tech revolution we are all living through.
“I am beyond thrilled to be asked to deliver this year’s MacTaggart lecture,” Theroux said. “The old Chinese curse runs, ‘May you live in interesting times.’ But I also believe interesting times – to those of us whose job it is to report on them and reflect them, while also providing an occasional distraction from them – can be a blessing.
The documentary maker, who also founded unscripted production company Mindhouse in 2019, has examined everything from Scientology to porn to neo-Nazis in his films. He has also turned his hand to social media, podcasting and streaming.
Theroux will address the challenges broadcasters face in today’s “multi-platform universe,” how he has maintained longevity after a quarter of a century in the broadcasting industry and the pros and cons of the tech revolution we are all living through.
“I am beyond thrilled to be asked to deliver this year’s MacTaggart lecture,” Theroux said. “The old Chinese curse runs, ‘May you live in interesting times.’ But I also believe interesting times – to those of us whose job it is to report on them and reflect them, while also providing an occasional distraction from them – can be a blessing.
- 6/29/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Trevor Noah is moving into podcasting.
The former Daily Show host has partnered with Spotify on a weekly podcast that will see him “blend his signature humor and razor-sharp wit with his global perspective to deliver a unique take on the hottest and most captivating topics of the moment.”
Launching later this year, the as-yet-untitled weekly show will include in-depth conversations between Noah and “some of the most influential and interesting figures around the world,” according to Spotify, which has podcast partnerships in place with the likes of Louis Theroux and Alex Cooper.
The news was just revealed during an in conversation between Noah and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek at the Cannes Lions ad market in France. It comes a few months after South African comic Noah left Comedy Central’s The Daily Show after seven years in December 2022.
“Spotify is the ultimate audio destination, and partnering with Trevor Noah,...
The former Daily Show host has partnered with Spotify on a weekly podcast that will see him “blend his signature humor and razor-sharp wit with his global perspective to deliver a unique take on the hottest and most captivating topics of the moment.”
Launching later this year, the as-yet-untitled weekly show will include in-depth conversations between Noah and “some of the most influential and interesting figures around the world,” according to Spotify, which has podcast partnerships in place with the likes of Louis Theroux and Alex Cooper.
The news was just revealed during an in conversation between Noah and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek at the Cannes Lions ad market in France. It comes a few months after South African comic Noah left Comedy Central’s The Daily Show after seven years in December 2022.
“Spotify is the ultimate audio destination, and partnering with Trevor Noah,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Marcel Theroux To Investigate Playboy Bunny Murders
Louis Theroux’s brother Marcel Theroux is to investigate the playboy bunny murders for Itvx. In The Playboy Bunny Murders, the novelist will examine the brutal murders that shocked London in the 1970s, when Eve Stratford, a Playboy Bunny who aspired to be a famous model, Lynda Farrow, a croupier with years of experience working in nighttime London, and Lynne Weedon, a schoolgirl whose whole life lay ahead of her, were all murdered. Itvx has gained exclusive access to friends, colleagues and relatives of the victims and will provide intimate insight, as Theroux attempts to track down police files, examines new breakthroughs and travels across the world in search of answers. Soho Studios and Future Studios are producing the two-parter for the ITV streaming service. Theroux said the story has “obsessed him for years.” Executive producers are Ian Lamarra for Soho Studios and John Farrar for Future Studios.
Louis Theroux’s brother Marcel Theroux is to investigate the playboy bunny murders for Itvx. In The Playboy Bunny Murders, the novelist will examine the brutal murders that shocked London in the 1970s, when Eve Stratford, a Playboy Bunny who aspired to be a famous model, Lynda Farrow, a croupier with years of experience working in nighttime London, and Lynne Weedon, a schoolgirl whose whole life lay ahead of her, were all murdered. Itvx has gained exclusive access to friends, colleagues and relatives of the victims and will provide intimate insight, as Theroux attempts to track down police files, examines new breakthroughs and travels across the world in search of answers. Soho Studios and Future Studios are producing the two-parter for the ITV streaming service. Theroux said the story has “obsessed him for years.” Executive producers are Ian Lamarra for Soho Studios and John Farrar for Future Studios.
- 5/25/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Louis Theroux is not comfortable with the disruptor moniker. He almost recoils at the notion, sitting back in his chair, chewing over the word and its literal, historical and symbolic connotations. “It has become a cliché; it’s definitely a cliché,” he eventually says.
But then comes one of the pensive expressions Theroux is famed for. His eyes fixed behind black-rimmed glasses. A man silently arguing with himself, jostling for clarity of thought. Suddenly, a revelation. Maybe he is a disruptor after all — or at least he once was.
“There’s a sense in which I came along in my presenting work and was a bit of a disruptor,” Theroux decides. “I took elements of conventional presenting and elements of classical vérité filmmaking and combined them.”
His talent in front of the camera was spotted by Michael Moore, who gave him a starring role in NBC’s TV Nation, interrogating...
But then comes one of the pensive expressions Theroux is famed for. His eyes fixed behind black-rimmed glasses. A man silently arguing with himself, jostling for clarity of thought. Suddenly, a revelation. Maybe he is a disruptor after all — or at least he once was.
“There’s a sense in which I came along in my presenting work and was a bit of a disruptor,” Theroux decides. “I took elements of conventional presenting and elements of classical vérité filmmaking and combined them.”
His talent in front of the camera was spotted by Michael Moore, who gave him a starring role in NBC’s TV Nation, interrogating...
- 5/20/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome, Insiders. Cannes is now well under way while the picket lines remain busy in LA. Jesse Whittock here in London. I’ve rounded up all the big and important news from film and TV, so sit back and enjoy the read. Subscribe here.
Cannes Gets In Gear Cannes
Controversy: Diana Lodderhose here reporting from Cannes where it’s been all systems go on the Croisette since the festival kicked off with the opening of Johnny Depp starrer Jeanne du Barry on Tuesday. It wouldn’t feel like a proper Cannes without a healthy dose of controversy. Festival head Thierry Frémaux responded to French actress Adèle Haenel’s suggestion that Cannes is part of a French eco-system that turns a blind eye to sexual violence. “It’s not true and the proof is that if you believed it, you would not be here, listening to me now, taking your accreditations...
Cannes Gets In Gear Cannes
Controversy: Diana Lodderhose here reporting from Cannes where it’s been all systems go on the Croisette since the festival kicked off with the opening of Johnny Depp starrer Jeanne du Barry on Tuesday. It wouldn’t feel like a proper Cannes without a healthy dose of controversy. Festival head Thierry Frémaux responded to French actress Adèle Haenel’s suggestion that Cannes is part of a French eco-system that turns a blind eye to sexual violence. “It’s not true and the proof is that if you believed it, you would not be here, listening to me now, taking your accreditations...
- 5/19/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The award-winning team behind 9/11: Inside the President’s War Room are to tell the story of the 7/7 London bombings in a BBC docuseries, while the BBC has greenlit a definitive history of Volodymyr Zelensky from the makers of The Elon Musk Show.
7/7: Three Weeks In July [working title] will document the day plus aftermath of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in British history, which took place in the English capital almost 20 years ago – killing 52 people when three trains and a bus were blown up by suicide bombers.
9/11 director Adam Wishart’s new indie The Slate Works is producing for the BBC. Inside The President’s War Room, Wishart’s 2021 BBC/Apple TV+ co-pro that told the story of the hours after the Twin Tower attacks via interviews with the likes of George W. Bush, won a BAFTA and an Rts Award.
Key players being interviewed for the 7/7 doc...
7/7: Three Weeks In July [working title] will document the day plus aftermath of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in British history, which took place in the English capital almost 20 years ago – killing 52 people when three trains and a bus were blown up by suicide bombers.
9/11 director Adam Wishart’s new indie The Slate Works is producing for the BBC. Inside The President’s War Room, Wishart’s 2021 BBC/Apple TV+ co-pro that told the story of the hours after the Twin Tower attacks via interviews with the likes of George W. Bush, won a BAFTA and an Rts Award.
Key players being interviewed for the 7/7 doc...
- 5/10/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The deadpan YouTuber went from quizzing grime stars over wings to Vanity Fair’s Oscars party red carpet. What happens now she’s becoming as famous as the people she interviews?
“You’re about to get on to the red carpet for one of the most exclusive awards ceremonies of the year!” a voice booms. “It’s showtime!” It looks more like Amelia Dimoldenberg and I are walking down a dark corridor; this isn’t Hollywood, but London’s Madame Tussauds. “Is that a real person?” she jumps as we pass a plastic paparazzo. Then a human photographer fawns over us as if we were real stars. Except … “Oh my goodness, it’s you!” he giggles, overcome. Is this still a bit? Or has the presence of an actual celeb melted Madame’s waxy fourth wall?
It’s the latter. He wants a photo – but his camera is fake and he has no phone.
“You’re about to get on to the red carpet for one of the most exclusive awards ceremonies of the year!” a voice booms. “It’s showtime!” It looks more like Amelia Dimoldenberg and I are walking down a dark corridor; this isn’t Hollywood, but London’s Madame Tussauds. “Is that a real person?” she jumps as we pass a plastic paparazzo. Then a human photographer fawns over us as if we were real stars. Except … “Oh my goodness, it’s you!” he giggles, overcome. Is this still a bit? Or has the presence of an actual celeb melted Madame’s waxy fourth wall?
It’s the latter. He wants a photo – but his camera is fake and he has no phone.
- 4/29/2023
- by Laura Snapes
- The Guardian - Film News
Scientology has long been a source of intrigue and controversy in the media.
Though categorised as a cult in Germany, the Church of Scientology is considered a religion by others and has generated headlines about teachings that many deem restrictive.
This, however, hasn’t stopped several Hollywood actors from advocating for the religion.
Recently, Alex Gibney, the filmmaker behind the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, expressed shock that Tom Cruise, a famed Scientologist, has not been called out for his involvement.
“There hasn’t been any reckoning for him, it surprised me,” Gibney told Rolling Stone.
Whether it’s through Louis Theroux’s exploration into the Church or rumours of John Travolta’s attempted uncoupling from it, Scientology’s position in popular culture cannot be denied.
Here is a rundown of some of the best-known Hollywood stars who have been affiliated with the Church.
Tom Cruise...
Though categorised as a cult in Germany, the Church of Scientology is considered a religion by others and has generated headlines about teachings that many deem restrictive.
This, however, hasn’t stopped several Hollywood actors from advocating for the religion.
Recently, Alex Gibney, the filmmaker behind the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, expressed shock that Tom Cruise, a famed Scientologist, has not been called out for his involvement.
“There hasn’t been any reckoning for him, it surprised me,” Gibney told Rolling Stone.
Whether it’s through Louis Theroux’s exploration into the Church or rumours of John Travolta’s attempted uncoupling from it, Scientology’s position in popular culture cannot be denied.
Here is a rundown of some of the best-known Hollywood stars who have been affiliated with the Church.
Tom Cruise...
- 4/14/2023
- by Gabby Colvin
- The Independent - Film
Exclusive: The BBC and CNN are teaming up to mark 20 years since the Columbia space shuttle disaster.
The broadcasters will co-produce the documentary, working titled Columbia: The Final Flight, with production housed at Mindhouse, the company co-founded by Louis Theroux.
The show will tell the story of the 2003 tragedy, in which seven astronauts were killed after Columbia disintegrated as it reentered the Earth’s atmosphere over Texas.
The crew conducted 80 experiments during 16 days in orbit, but their shuttle broke apart after heat-resistant tiles on the left wing were damaged during lift-off from Cape Canaveral.
The BBC and CNN have previously collaborated on Race for the Vaccine, a Wingspan Productions film that took viewers inside efforts to create a Covid vaccine. The BBC also acquired CNN’s Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.
Theroux co-founded Mindhouse with director Nancy Strang and former BBC producer Aaron Fellows. The company is producing documentaries without Theroux presenting,...
The broadcasters will co-produce the documentary, working titled Columbia: The Final Flight, with production housed at Mindhouse, the company co-founded by Louis Theroux.
The show will tell the story of the 2003 tragedy, in which seven astronauts were killed after Columbia disintegrated as it reentered the Earth’s atmosphere over Texas.
The crew conducted 80 experiments during 16 days in orbit, but their shuttle broke apart after heat-resistant tiles on the left wing were damaged during lift-off from Cape Canaveral.
The BBC and CNN have previously collaborated on Race for the Vaccine, a Wingspan Productions film that took viewers inside efforts to create a Covid vaccine. The BBC also acquired CNN’s Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.
Theroux co-founded Mindhouse with director Nancy Strang and former BBC producer Aaron Fellows. The company is producing documentaries without Theroux presenting,...
- 4/11/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
In a new podcast hosted by Megan Phelps-Roper, Jk Rowling will give a rare interview in which she addresses her controversial remarks on transgender rights.
The forthcoming seven-episode podcast, titled The Witch Trials of Jk Rowling, has been made after the Harry Potter author sat down with US writer Phelps-Roper at her home in Edinburgh.
But who is Phelps-Roper and how did the podcast come about?
Here’s what we know...
Megan Phelps-Roper is 37 and she lives in rural South Dakota. She is best known for escaping what Louis Theroux called “the most hated family in America” in his 2007 documentary on the extremist Westboro Baptist Church, led by Phelps-Roper’s grandfather Fred Phelps.
The hate group, founded in Topeka, Kansas, picketed the funerals of soldiers and Aids victims. It is known for its hate speech against atheists, Jews, Muslims, LGBTQ+ people, and numerous Christian denominations. Their theology and practises have...
The forthcoming seven-episode podcast, titled The Witch Trials of Jk Rowling, has been made after the Harry Potter author sat down with US writer Phelps-Roper at her home in Edinburgh.
But who is Phelps-Roper and how did the podcast come about?
Here’s what we know...
Megan Phelps-Roper is 37 and she lives in rural South Dakota. She is best known for escaping what Louis Theroux called “the most hated family in America” in his 2007 documentary on the extremist Westboro Baptist Church, led by Phelps-Roper’s grandfather Fred Phelps.
The hate group, founded in Topeka, Kansas, picketed the funerals of soldiers and Aids victims. It is known for its hate speech against atheists, Jews, Muslims, LGBTQ+ people, and numerous Christian denominations. Their theology and practises have...
- 2/20/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Megan Phelps-Roper has said her forthcoming podcast with Jk Rowling was “never intended to vindicate” the author.
The Witch Trials of Jk Rowling is a seven-part podcast, which will be released on Tuesday (21 February).
According to its blurb, the episodes will “examine some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world’s most successful author”.
The blurb also states that it will include interviews “with Rowling’s supporters and critics”, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The author has faced accusations of transphobia in recent years over statements she has made about transgender people and gender. A number of the Harry Potter cast have distanced themselves from the author.
Rowling has rejected the idea that she is transphobic and has said previously that she “knows and loves” trans people.
Speaking to The Times ahead of the podcast’s release, Phelps-Roper – author of...
The Witch Trials of Jk Rowling is a seven-part podcast, which will be released on Tuesday (21 February).
According to its blurb, the episodes will “examine some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world’s most successful author”.
The blurb also states that it will include interviews “with Rowling’s supporters and critics”, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The author has faced accusations of transphobia in recent years over statements she has made about transgender people and gender. A number of the Harry Potter cast have distanced themselves from the author.
Rowling has rejected the idea that she is transphobic and has said previously that she “knows and loves” trans people.
Speaking to The Times ahead of the podcast’s release, Phelps-Roper – author of...
- 2/20/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
Judi Dench is struggling to read her scripts these days.
The 88-year-old tells Graham Norton on his talk show Friday that she can no longer see to read scripts to learn her lines.
Dench says, “It has become impossible and because I have a photographic memory, I need to find a machine that not only teaches me my lines but also tells me where they appear on the page.
“I used to find it very easy to learn lines and remember them. I could do the whole of ‘Twelfth Night’ right now.”
Read More: Judi Dench Slams ‘The Crown’, Says Season 5 Will Present ‘An Inaccurate And Hurtful Account Of History’
Dench previously revealed she’d been diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition, age-related macular degeneration (Amd), that affects the middle part of your vision.
She spoke about the diagnosis in an interview with Louis Theroux last year, Hello! reported.
Read...
The 88-year-old tells Graham Norton on his talk show Friday that she can no longer see to read scripts to learn her lines.
Dench says, “It has become impossible and because I have a photographic memory, I need to find a machine that not only teaches me my lines but also tells me where they appear on the page.
“I used to find it very easy to learn lines and remember them. I could do the whole of ‘Twelfth Night’ right now.”
Read More: Judi Dench Slams ‘The Crown’, Says Season 5 Will Present ‘An Inaccurate And Hurtful Account Of History’
Dench previously revealed she’d been diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition, age-related macular degeneration (Amd), that affects the middle part of your vision.
She spoke about the diagnosis in an interview with Louis Theroux last year, Hello! reported.
Read...
- 2/17/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Immediate Media Co, the special interest content and platform company, has announced a partnership with Spotify’s Megaphone to host its award-winning podcast portfolio. From March 2023, Immediate Media’s podcast shows will be hosted and monetised through Spotify’s enterprise podcasting platform, Megaphone.
Megaphone is the industry-leading podcasting platform for enterprise publishers and professional podcasters globally as it offers a comprehensive set of tools that enable publishers to publish, monetise, and grow their podcast businesses. With 489 million MAUs, Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service. In the UK, Spotify reaches more than half of the online population.
As the UK’s leading publisher podcast producer, Immediate’s output includes the HistoryExtra Podcast - which recently celebrated 200 million downloads - Radio Times’ View From My Sofa, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast and the BBC Good Food Podcast with Tom Kerridge.
Immediate produced 750 podcast episodes across its portfolio last year,...
Megaphone is the industry-leading podcasting platform for enterprise publishers and professional podcasters globally as it offers a comprehensive set of tools that enable publishers to publish, monetise, and grow their podcast businesses. With 489 million MAUs, Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service. In the UK, Spotify reaches more than half of the online population.
As the UK’s leading publisher podcast producer, Immediate’s output includes the HistoryExtra Podcast - which recently celebrated 200 million downloads - Radio Times’ View From My Sofa, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast and the BBC Good Food Podcast with Tom Kerridge.
Immediate produced 750 podcast episodes across its portfolio last year,...
- 2/16/2023
- Podnews.net
Day Passes on sale now at thepodcastshowlondon.com Acast & Amazon Music and Wondery confirmed as headline partners Audioboom, BBC Sounds & Global return, with Veritone joining, as official partners 15,000+ visitors expected, day & night, from around the world - visitors from 20 countries already represented New for 2023: Exclusive Pre-Show Party & Preview night Ashley Flowers, New York Times bestselling author and host of the #1 true crime podcast Crime Junkie, announced as Keynote Speaker for Day 1 Dan Snow, Hala Taha, Nick Grimshaw, Jordan Harbinger, Spencer Matthews, Vogue Williams, Sam Faiers & Billie Faiers, William Hanson & Jordan North confirmed as speakers, with more to be announced
The Podcast Show, the biggest international festival for the business of podcasting, is back for a second year following the success of 2022’s inaugural show. This one-of-a-kind event is open to industry professionals, independent podcast creators, business leaders, emerging talent and fans alike. The aim is to celebrate podcasting, support new creators,...
The Podcast Show, the biggest international festival for the business of podcasting, is back for a second year following the success of 2022’s inaugural show. This one-of-a-kind event is open to industry professionals, independent podcast creators, business leaders, emerging talent and fans alike. The aim is to celebrate podcasting, support new creators,...
- 2/9/2023
- Podnews.net
Exclusive: The events of Mark Zuckerberg’s life and creation of Facebook/Meta are to be charted in a Sky documentary, revealed on an eight-strong slate.
Zuckerberg: King of the Metaverse [working title] will piece together the events of the billionaire’s life along with the creation of his world-shaping website across 90 minutes. The feature from My Daughter’s Killer indie Rogan Productions and director Nick Green will combine rare archive footage and exclusive interviews with those close to Zuckerberg.
Facebook, now Meta, is nearing its 20th anniversary and the BBC greenlit a similar series, simply titled Zuckerberg, around six months ago, from Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions.
The doc has been ordered for the Sky Documentaries channel and sits alongside a number of shows revealed on a hefty factual slate by Deadline this morning.
These include Daley [working title] from Oscar-winner Passion Pictures, providing the definite account of one of Britain’s greatest olympians Daley Thompson,...
Zuckerberg: King of the Metaverse [working title] will piece together the events of the billionaire’s life along with the creation of his world-shaping website across 90 minutes. The feature from My Daughter’s Killer indie Rogan Productions and director Nick Green will combine rare archive footage and exclusive interviews with those close to Zuckerberg.
Facebook, now Meta, is nearing its 20th anniversary and the BBC greenlit a similar series, simply titled Zuckerberg, around six months ago, from Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions.
The doc has been ordered for the Sky Documentaries channel and sits alongside a number of shows revealed on a hefty factual slate by Deadline this morning.
These include Daley [working title] from Oscar-winner Passion Pictures, providing the definite account of one of Britain’s greatest olympians Daley Thompson,...
- 1/30/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Aloke Devichand, Netflix’s Head of Asian Original Documentaries who commissioned docs on Blackpink and Naomi Osaka along with an Oscar-nominated short, has exited the streamer after nearly five years.
Devichand joined Netflix in 2018 in the newly-created post to build a slate of docs from the Asia-Pacific region, which Netflix has been prioritizing of late. He won’t be replaced like-for-like but Netflix will continue prioritizing Apac non-scripted via country content teams.
Former CNN and Al Jazeera exec Devichand oversaw a slate featuring the likes of Blackpink: Light up the Sky and Naomi Osaka about the Japanese tennis icon. He more recently worked on Hope Frozen: A Quest to Live Twice and Oscar-nominated short The Elephant Whisperers. The former won Thailand its first ever International Emmy for Best Documentary and the latter tells the heartwarming story of an indigenous couple who are given an orphaned elephant to look after.
Devichand joined Netflix in 2018 in the newly-created post to build a slate of docs from the Asia-Pacific region, which Netflix has been prioritizing of late. He won’t be replaced like-for-like but Netflix will continue prioritizing Apac non-scripted via country content teams.
Former CNN and Al Jazeera exec Devichand oversaw a slate featuring the likes of Blackpink: Light up the Sky and Naomi Osaka about the Japanese tennis icon. He more recently worked on Hope Frozen: A Quest to Live Twice and Oscar-nominated short The Elephant Whisperers. The former won Thailand its first ever International Emmy for Best Documentary and the latter tells the heartwarming story of an indigenous couple who are given an orphaned elephant to look after.
- 1/24/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Louis Theroux knows what it’s like to go viral. In 2022, the veteran British documentary presenter and journalist won himself a new generation of fans when a rap he wrote more than 20 years ago resurfaced on TikTok as a meme. Blowing up online is something he has in common with YouTube sensation Ksi, the subject of a new all-access documentary Theroux has executive produced for Amazon Prime Video.
The film follows the rapper as he releases his second album, embarks on a sold-out European tour and prepares for a headline show at London’s Wembley Arena. Speaking to Variety over Zoom from his northwest London home, Theroux said he hoped “Ksi: In Real Life” would be a window onto a new media landscape, and an opportunity “to reflect on what we are as a culture.” This, Theroux said, was a world in which a child from Watford can build a...
The film follows the rapper as he releases his second album, embarks on a sold-out European tour and prepares for a headline show at London’s Wembley Arena. Speaking to Variety over Zoom from his northwest London home, Theroux said he hoped “Ksi: In Real Life” would be a window onto a new media landscape, and an opportunity “to reflect on what we are as a culture.” This, Theroux said, was a world in which a child from Watford can build a...
- 1/13/2023
- by Simran Hans
- Variety Film + TV
Chicken Shop Date creator Amelia Dimoldenberg is set to make her stateside red carpet debut.
Dimoldenberg will interview Golden Globe nominees and presenters ahead of Jan. 10’s award ceremony at The Beverly Hilton hotel. Her coverage will be streamed and posted in real-time across the Globes’ social media accounts, including YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Dimoldenberg has 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube, where her series Chicken Shop Date—which sees her take celebrities and fellow content creators out for one-on-one interviews at chicken shops—has cooked up more than 230 million views for her channel.
Chicken Shop Date guests have included Keke Palmer, Ed Sheeran, Phoebe Bridgers, Jack Harlow, Louis Theroux, Jade Thirwall, Aitch, and more—so Dimoldenberg’s more than familiar with the sorts of stars she’ll be seeing on the red carpet.
The Golden Globes will work with Dimoldenberg’s U.K.-based production company Dimz Inc on production of the interviews,...
Dimoldenberg will interview Golden Globe nominees and presenters ahead of Jan. 10’s award ceremony at The Beverly Hilton hotel. Her coverage will be streamed and posted in real-time across the Globes’ social media accounts, including YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Dimoldenberg has 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube, where her series Chicken Shop Date—which sees her take celebrities and fellow content creators out for one-on-one interviews at chicken shops—has cooked up more than 230 million views for her channel.
Chicken Shop Date guests have included Keke Palmer, Ed Sheeran, Phoebe Bridgers, Jack Harlow, Louis Theroux, Jade Thirwall, Aitch, and more—so Dimoldenberg’s more than familiar with the sorts of stars she’ll be seeing on the red carpet.
The Golden Globes will work with Dimoldenberg’s U.K.-based production company Dimz Inc on production of the interviews,...
- 1/9/2023
- by James Hale
- Tubefilter.com
Rita Ora‘s recent post to social media shows off an incredibly toned physique during a stay at a beautiful-looking island location.
Taking a walk on an almost vacant beach, Ora wears a thin blue bikini top matched with a black-and-blue skirt. Her accessories include bracelets and a necklace that do a magnificent job of completing the outfit.
The singer spent the Christmas holiday with family as well as heading over to London to spend time with her husband Taika Waititi.
The director of Thor: Love and Thunder recently revealed that it was Batman star Robert Pattinson who introduced the pair to each other. Waititi opened up on a number of relationship-related subjects. Before marrying Ora earlier this year, the pair were apparently good friends for a while. They only started dating in 2021, but they’ve known each other for at least three years.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
Taking a walk on an almost vacant beach, Ora wears a thin blue bikini top matched with a black-and-blue skirt. Her accessories include bracelets and a necklace that do a magnificent job of completing the outfit.
The singer spent the Christmas holiday with family as well as heading over to London to spend time with her husband Taika Waititi.
The director of Thor: Love and Thunder recently revealed that it was Batman star Robert Pattinson who introduced the pair to each other. Waititi opened up on a number of relationship-related subjects. Before marrying Ora earlier this year, the pair were apparently good friends for a while. They only started dating in 2021, but they’ve known each other for at least three years.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
- 1/1/2023
- by Max Kerwick
- Uinterview
Rita Ora looked phenomenal in a relaxed crochet maxi skirt and skimpy bikini this holiday season while going on a Harbour stroll in St. Barts with her husband, Taika Waititi.
Rita Ora in St. Barts — EliotPress/Mega
The singer was preparing to attend the Unicef Winter Gala and got some love from the sun before the event.
Read More: Rita Ora Says People Should Take Rumours That She Was ‘Becky’ In Beyoncé Song ‘With A Pinch Of Salt’
The 32-year-old pop star rocked a chic boho look as she kept things natural on the island with bare feet and wavy hair.
Rita Ora in St. Barts — EliotPress/Mega
The floor-length crochet skirt complimented Ora’s figure, highlighting her super-toned waist.
With her gold necklaces shining underneath the sun and a Hermes bag in hand, Ora looked like a luxurious mermaid walking along the island.
Read More: Rita Ora And Taika...
Rita Ora in St. Barts — EliotPress/Mega
The singer was preparing to attend the Unicef Winter Gala and got some love from the sun before the event.
Read More: Rita Ora Says People Should Take Rumours That She Was ‘Becky’ In Beyoncé Song ‘With A Pinch Of Salt’
The 32-year-old pop star rocked a chic boho look as she kept things natural on the island with bare feet and wavy hair.
Rita Ora in St. Barts — EliotPress/Mega
The floor-length crochet skirt complimented Ora’s figure, highlighting her super-toned waist.
With her gold necklaces shining underneath the sun and a Hermes bag in hand, Ora looked like a luxurious mermaid walking along the island.
Read More: Rita Ora And Taika...
- 12/30/2022
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
I’ve watched a lot of TV this year. I wake up in the morning, brew a pot of coffee, and sit down to watch television until my eyes go square in their sockets. It’s a quotidian world of ticking time bombs, raunchy rutting, and liberally littered laughs.
The following 10 shows represent my favourites from the past 12 months. Some were watched for work and some were watched for pleasure, but all were immensely enjoyable. In a year dominated by two blockbuster fantasy shows – HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and Amazon’s Tolkien epic The Rings of Power – the work I enjoyed most erred on the side of the irreverent. Funny, cynical, moving, thrilling; there’s a little of everything on this list.
But before we get into it, I think it’s important to recognise my biases: competently assembled though many of these shows are,...
The following 10 shows represent my favourites from the past 12 months. Some were watched for work and some were watched for pleasure, but all were immensely enjoyable. In a year dominated by two blockbuster fantasy shows – HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and Amazon’s Tolkien epic The Rings of Power – the work I enjoyed most erred on the side of the irreverent. Funny, cynical, moving, thrilling; there’s a little of everything on this list.
But before we get into it, I think it’s important to recognise my biases: competently assembled though many of these shows are,...
- 12/24/2022
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
I’ve watched a lot of TV this year. I wake up in the morning, brew a pot of coffee, and sit down to watch television until my eyes go square in their sockets. It’s a quotidian world of ticking time bombs, raunchy rutting, and liberally littered laughs.
The following 10 shows represent my favourites from the past 12 months. Some were watched for work and some were watched for pleasure, but all were immensely enjoyable. In a year dominated by two blockbuster fantasy shows – HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and Amazon’s Tolkien epic The Rings of Power – the work I enjoyed most erred on the side of the irreverent. Funny, cynical, moving, thrilling; there’s a little of everything on this list.
But before we get into it, I think it’s important to recognise my biases: competently assembled though many of these shows are,...
The following 10 shows represent my favourites from the past 12 months. Some were watched for work and some were watched for pleasure, but all were immensely enjoyable. In a year dominated by two blockbuster fantasy shows – HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and Amazon’s Tolkien epic The Rings of Power – the work I enjoyed most erred on the side of the irreverent. Funny, cynical, moving, thrilling; there’s a little of everything on this list.
But before we get into it, I think it’s important to recognise my biases: competently assembled though many of these shows are,...
- 12/24/2022
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
Kate Winslet is the latest celebrity slated to appear on BBC children’s channel CBeebies’ “Bedtime Stories” over the Christmas and New Year period.
Winslet made headlines recently for her scene in the upcoming “Avatar” sequel, where she holds her breath underwater for a record breaking seven minutes and 15 seconds.
Her episode will be broadcast on Dec. 19, where she will be reading Sarah McIntyre’s “Grumpycorn,” a story about a unicorn with writer’s block, and how his underwater friends help him overcome it.
The “Bedtime Stories” Christmas lineup also includes former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, actor Richard E. Grant, Paralympian Lora Fachie, French pop sensation Christine and the Queens and CBeebies veteran Justin Fletcher.
Joshua will be reading the 1962 book “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats on Dec. 22. “The Snowy Day” features one of the earliest Black protagonists in a major children’s book.
Meanwhile, New Year...
Winslet made headlines recently for her scene in the upcoming “Avatar” sequel, where she holds her breath underwater for a record breaking seven minutes and 15 seconds.
Her episode will be broadcast on Dec. 19, where she will be reading Sarah McIntyre’s “Grumpycorn,” a story about a unicorn with writer’s block, and how his underwater friends help him overcome it.
The “Bedtime Stories” Christmas lineup also includes former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, actor Richard E. Grant, Paralympian Lora Fachie, French pop sensation Christine and the Queens and CBeebies veteran Justin Fletcher.
Joshua will be reading the 1962 book “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats on Dec. 22. “The Snowy Day” features one of the earliest Black protagonists in a major children’s book.
Meanwhile, New Year...
- 12/15/2022
- by Hannah Abraham
- Variety Film + TV
With the year coming to an end, it’s time to look back on some of the best social media had to offer.
Among the most popular platforms in the world is TikTok, where users share creative videos, respond to each other, give life to new memes and send viral songs up the charts.
Read More: TikTok Releases 2022 Global Discover List Featuring Two Trendsetting Canadians
In Canada, the most popular TikTok videos included user @jamie32bsh dancing in front of his mirror.
@jamie32bsh
♬ Say It Right – Sped Up Remix – Nelly Furtado & Speed Radio
There was @parisa_henna_art sharing her henna art in time for eid celebrations.
@parisa_henna_art
Eid Henna Inspo#eid #muslim #henna
♬ Love Story – Sped Up – Speedy Radio
User @w2sixpackchef shared a mesmerizing video of how to chop a cucumber into incredibly thin slices.
@w2sixpackchef
Reply to @roblox_fanas The end tho #knifeskills...
Among the most popular platforms in the world is TikTok, where users share creative videos, respond to each other, give life to new memes and send viral songs up the charts.
Read More: TikTok Releases 2022 Global Discover List Featuring Two Trendsetting Canadians
In Canada, the most popular TikTok videos included user @jamie32bsh dancing in front of his mirror.
@jamie32bsh
♬ Say It Right – Sped Up Remix – Nelly Furtado & Speed Radio
There was @parisa_henna_art sharing her henna art in time for eid celebrations.
@parisa_henna_art
Eid Henna Inspo#eid #muslim #henna
♬ Love Story – Sped Up – Speedy Radio
User @w2sixpackchef shared a mesmerizing video of how to chop a cucumber into incredibly thin slices.
@w2sixpackchef
Reply to @roblox_fanas The end tho #knifeskills...
- 12/6/2022
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Rapper Stepz has been named the most viewed UK artist on TikTok in 2022.
The London-born musician took the top spot in the video-sharing app’s Year On TikTok report, which reviews the trends and creators of the past year, beating out competition from established acts such as Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.
Stepz has 2.8 million followers on TikTok went viral this summer with his song “Cramp Dat”, which samples Soulja Boy’s 2007 hit “Crank That”.
The musician – who also posts comedy videos on the platform – said of being named TikTok’s most viewed UK artist: “Gaining an audience since I started TikTok allowed me to chase my dreams and allow my sound to be heard with music globally all thanks to God + TikTok my life has changed!”
Smith came in second place, followed by Sheeran, who topped the list last year.
Eurovision star Sam Ryder came in fourth and has...
The London-born musician took the top spot in the video-sharing app’s Year On TikTok report, which reviews the trends and creators of the past year, beating out competition from established acts such as Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.
Stepz has 2.8 million followers on TikTok went viral this summer with his song “Cramp Dat”, which samples Soulja Boy’s 2007 hit “Crank That”.
The musician – who also posts comedy videos on the platform – said of being named TikTok’s most viewed UK artist: “Gaining an audience since I started TikTok allowed me to chase my dreams and allow my sound to be heard with music globally all thanks to God + TikTok my life has changed!”
Smith came in second place, followed by Sheeran, who topped the list last year.
Eurovision star Sam Ryder came in fourth and has...
- 12/6/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Music
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