Exclusive: Zola Mashariki, the former Fox Searchlight and BET exec who has headed up Audible Studios for the last two years, is leaving the Amazon-owned company.
Mashariki has been in the position since early 2021. She is expected to remain in a transition role through the middle of October.
As head of Audible Studios, she was tasked with spearheading original content for the company, reporting to Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.
She oversaw series such as singing competition podcast Breakthrough, which starred Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland, and was behind signing a slew of talent deals with A-list stars.
Mashariki spent 15 years at Searchlight, where she rose to SVP of production, overseeing projects like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Secret Life of Bees and The Last King of Scotland. As part of the acquisitions team, she also worked on Best Picture Oscar winners Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years A Slave.
Mashariki has been in the position since early 2021. She is expected to remain in a transition role through the middle of October.
As head of Audible Studios, she was tasked with spearheading original content for the company, reporting to Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.
She oversaw series such as singing competition podcast Breakthrough, which starred Sara Bareilles and Kelly Rowland, and was behind signing a slew of talent deals with A-list stars.
Mashariki spent 15 years at Searchlight, where she rose to SVP of production, overseeing projects like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Secret Life of Bees and The Last King of Scotland. As part of the acquisitions team, she also worked on Best Picture Oscar winners Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years A Slave.
- 9/14/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ask the most powerful people in podcasting whether we’ve reached “peak podcast” and the answer is a resounding no. Or, more specifically, a “hell no,” an “absolutely not” and a “don’t be ridiculous!” Still, the medium isn’t without its challenges. “Podcasting has gone from being an industry that had a ton of speculative money thrown at it, to an industry that now has to figure out how to make money,” notes Audacy’s Jenna Weiss-Berman when asked to describe how it has transformed over the last five years. Here, many of the top hosts, executives and agents in the business, all featured on THR‘s annual list of The 40(ish) Names to Know in Podcasting Now, weigh in with their hopes, plans and pet peeves.
My podcasting pet peeves are…
Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM The idea that all it takes to make a good podcast is a mic and a computer.
My podcasting pet peeves are…
Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM The idea that all it takes to make a good podcast is a mic and a computer.
- 8/21/2023
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Audible, Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced a new scripted science-fiction comedy Third Eye, written and created by actor, producer, writer and streamer, Felicia Day and featuring author Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) as The Narrator. Set to premiere on October 5, the Audible Original produced alongside Clamor, stars Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), LilyPichu (Offline TV), Wil Wheaton (Ready Player One), London Hughes (_T_he Netflix Afterparty), Danny Pudi, Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien), Hudson Yang (Fresh off the Boat), and Christopher Judge (God of War). Post-production for the Audible Original will be handled by Mumble Media, a worker-owned podcast production cooperative.
Third Eye tells the story of Laurel (Felicia Day), a “Chosen One” wizard still grappling with the fallout of failing a decade earlier in her fight with the ultimate evil Tybus (Christopher Judge). Day will write and star in the project, as our...
Third Eye tells the story of Laurel (Felicia Day), a “Chosen One” wizard still grappling with the fallout of failing a decade earlier in her fight with the ultimate evil Tybus (Christopher Judge). Day will write and star in the project, as our...
- 7/4/2023
- Podnews.net
Audible, Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced a new multi-project, exclusive deal with Ashé Audio Ventures, the newly formed podcast label from Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions and Maurício Mota and Katie Mota’s Wise Entertainment. Audible will be the exclusive home for these scripted and unscripted audio originals created for a global audience.
Viola Davis said: “After the outpouring of love for Finding Me, I'm excited for the opportunities that Ashé Audio Ventures and Audible will create for memorable stories to be both explored and celebrated in a meaningful new way – a way that spans borders and connects us to a shared human experience.”
This new endeavor, on the heels of Viola Davis’ Grammy win for Best Audiobook of her memoir Finding Me, which earned her the coveted “Egot” status, underscores consumers’ rising interest in audio entertainment. Ashé Audio Ventures...
Viola Davis said: “After the outpouring of love for Finding Me, I'm excited for the opportunities that Ashé Audio Ventures and Audible will create for memorable stories to be both explored and celebrated in a meaningful new way – a way that spans borders and connects us to a shared human experience.”
This new endeavor, on the heels of Viola Davis’ Grammy win for Best Audiobook of her memoir Finding Me, which earned her the coveted “Egot” status, underscores consumers’ rising interest in audio entertainment. Ashé Audio Ventures...
- 5/31/2023
- Podnews.net
Ashé Audio Ventures, the newly created podcast label from Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions and Maurício and Katie Mota’s Wise Entertainment, has reached an exclusive multi-project deal with Audible.
Scripted and unscripted original audio programming from Ashé will begin releasing its first titles in 2024. The projects are expected to include genres like self-development and audio theater, with a focus on work from up-and-coming talent.
Ashé — which comes from a Yoruba word that means “the power to make things come to life with your voice,” according to Maurício Mota — is the latest star-led production banner to strike major partnerships with Audible on original audio programming. In the past few years, Audible has closed deals with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street, Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions, Daniel Dae Kim’s 3Ad Productions,...
Scripted and unscripted original audio programming from Ashé will begin releasing its first titles in 2024. The projects are expected to include genres like self-development and audio theater, with a focus on work from up-and-coming talent.
Ashé — which comes from a Yoruba word that means “the power to make things come to life with your voice,” according to Maurício Mota — is the latest star-led production banner to strike major partnerships with Audible on original audio programming. In the past few years, Audible has closed deals with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street, Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions, Daniel Dae Kim’s 3Ad Productions,...
- 5/30/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, in partnership with Prime Video/Amazon Studios and The Hollywood Reporter, hosted “Reflections” on Friday, a luncheon geared toward discussing women of color’s rise to the C-Suite.
The hybrid networking event and panel discussion dealt with the realities, challenges and beauty of being women of color in leadership positions in the entertainment industry. THR editorial director Nekesa Mumbi Moody guided the conversation and was joined by Stephanie Tavares-Rance, founder of the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival; Latasha Gillespie, head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios; and Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios.
Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival Women C-Suite Luncheon
The conversation began with the question of how things have changed in the last couple of years following the murder of George Floyd, which animated many conversations among the public, but more specifically what true representation and...
The hybrid networking event and panel discussion dealt with the realities, challenges and beauty of being women of color in leadership positions in the entertainment industry. THR editorial director Nekesa Mumbi Moody guided the conversation and was joined by Stephanie Tavares-Rance, founder of the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival; Latasha Gillespie, head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios; and Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios.
Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival Women C-Suite Luncheon
The conversation began with the question of how things have changed in the last couple of years following the murder of George Floyd, which animated many conversations among the public, but more specifically what true representation and...
- 2/4/2023
- by Evan Nicole Brown
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Plan B Entertainment, the production company led by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, has struck an exclusive development deal with Audible for a slate of original audio projects.
The first project in active development is A Summer Love Thing, from Selma cinematographer Bradford Young. The story follows a woman who leaves a successful singing career to pursue — for the second time — a relationship with her first love, a blue-collar worker, in her southern hometown, according to Audible. A release date has not yet been announced.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the dynamic team at Audible, who are leaders in this space, and who share our commitment to quality storytelling wherever audiences find and engage with it,” Pitt, Gardner and Kleiner said in a joint statement.
The Audible deal represents Plan B’s first entry into the audio space and follows a string of other high-profile deals with...
The first project in active development is A Summer Love Thing, from Selma cinematographer Bradford Young. The story follows a woman who leaves a successful singing career to pursue — for the second time — a relationship with her first love, a blue-collar worker, in her southern hometown, according to Audible. A release date has not yet been announced.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the dynamic team at Audible, who are leaders in this space, and who share our commitment to quality storytelling wherever audiences find and engage with it,” Pitt, Gardner and Kleiner said in a joint statement.
The Audible deal represents Plan B’s first entry into the audio space and follows a string of other high-profile deals with...
- 1/20/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Audible signed an exclusive, multiproject development deal with Plan B Entertainment, the production company led by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, for a slate of audio originals.
Under the worldwide deal — which represents Plan B’s entry into audio entertainment — the production company will create a slate of Audible originals. It’s the latest pact by Amazon-owned Audible with high-profile Hollywood talent to create exclusive audio productions.
Plan B’s inaugural project for Audible is “A Summer Love Thing” from cinematographer Bradford Young. Currently in active development, “A Summer Love Thing” follows a woman who leaves her successful singing career to return to her Southern hometown and pursue her first love, a blue-collar worker, for the second time. Plan B and Audible describe the project as “moody, lyrical and ethereal, as is all of Bradford’s work,” using “Southern soundscapes to evoke a place, space and time.”
“We...
Under the worldwide deal — which represents Plan B’s entry into audio entertainment — the production company will create a slate of Audible originals. It’s the latest pact by Amazon-owned Audible with high-profile Hollywood talent to create exclusive audio productions.
Plan B’s inaugural project for Audible is “A Summer Love Thing” from cinematographer Bradford Young. Currently in active development, “A Summer Love Thing” follows a woman who leaves her successful singing career to return to her Southern hometown and pursue her first love, a blue-collar worker, for the second time. Plan B and Audible describe the project as “moody, lyrical and ethereal, as is all of Bradford’s work,” using “Southern soundscapes to evoke a place, space and time.”
“We...
- 1/20/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop has inked a multi-project worldwide development deal with Amazon subsidiary Audible. Four titles have been greenlit under a newly created The Goop Pursuit banner, all of which will will join a series of best-in-class Audible Originals.
The Goop Pursuit collection will “explore some of life’s most significant pillars: pleasure, healing, beauty, and change.” The titles will launch on January 12, 2023 and include introductions from goop founder Paltrow.
Among the titles will be Leaning Into Pleasure. Hosted by Penda N’diaye, founder of Pro Hoe, a brand that focuses on sexual liberation in Black and Brown communities, the 90-minute Audible Original features multigenerational discussions on the topic of pleasure. Paltrow will also hold forth on her own experiences navigating pleasure and societal taboos.
“I loved speaking with and, even more so, listening to Penda N’diaye—she’s so strong and thoughtful. Likewise, our other three hosts in...
The Goop Pursuit collection will “explore some of life’s most significant pillars: pleasure, healing, beauty, and change.” The titles will launch on January 12, 2023 and include introductions from goop founder Paltrow.
Among the titles will be Leaning Into Pleasure. Hosted by Penda N’diaye, founder of Pro Hoe, a brand that focuses on sexual liberation in Black and Brown communities, the 90-minute Audible Original features multigenerational discussions on the topic of pleasure. Paltrow will also hold forth on her own experiences navigating pleasure and societal taboos.
“I loved speaking with and, even more so, listening to Penda N’diaye—she’s so strong and thoughtful. Likewise, our other three hosts in...
- 11/17/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Goop, the lifestyle brand from Gwyneth Paltrow, has struck a multi-project development deal with Audible for a slate of original audio projects.
As part of the deal, Audible has greenlit four projects under a collection called The Goop Pursuit, which will explore topics like pleasure, healing, beauty and change, the audio company said on Thursday. Those four originals, each 90-minute single episodes, will be released next year on Jan. 12 with hosts like Penda N’diaye, the founder of the sex education brand Pro Hoe; Thema Bryant, the president elect of the American Psychological Association; Jodie Patterson, an author and Lgbtqia advocate; and Will Siu, a psychiatrist. Paltrow will provide introductions for each episode.
“I loved speaking with and, even more so, listening to Penda N’diaye,” Paltrow said in a statement. “Likewise, our other three hosts in this collection also have an incredibly nuanced...
Goop, the lifestyle brand from Gwyneth Paltrow, has struck a multi-project development deal with Audible for a slate of original audio projects.
As part of the deal, Audible has greenlit four projects under a collection called The Goop Pursuit, which will explore topics like pleasure, healing, beauty and change, the audio company said on Thursday. Those four originals, each 90-minute single episodes, will be released next year on Jan. 12 with hosts like Penda N’diaye, the founder of the sex education brand Pro Hoe; Thema Bryant, the president elect of the American Psychological Association; Jodie Patterson, an author and Lgbtqia advocate; and Will Siu, a psychiatrist. Paltrow will provide introductions for each episode.
“I loved speaking with and, even more so, listening to Penda N’diaye,” Paltrow said in a statement. “Likewise, our other three hosts in this collection also have an incredibly nuanced...
- 11/17/2022
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
The Obamas’ Higher Ground has struck an exclusive, multiyear first-look deal with Audible, marking a major win for the Amazon-owned audio company as it continues on a streak of production deals with high-profile talent in Hollywood.
The move to Audible follows Higher Ground’s exit from Spotify, where the production company — founded by Barack and Michelle Obama — previously had a multiyear deal to create podcasts exclusively for the Stockholm-based audio giant. Though Audible’s original content, known as Audible Originals, is typically made available only for subscribers, the Amazon-owned company does offer some of its original content on all major audio platforms, providing the Obamas with the opportunity to reach a broader audience in comparison to shows that have previously launched exclusively on Spotify.
In a statement Tuesday, former First Lady Michelle Obama alluded to as much, noting how the deal with Audible...
The Obamas’ Higher Ground has struck an exclusive, multiyear first-look deal with Audible, marking a major win for the Amazon-owned audio company as it continues on a streak of production deals with high-profile talent in Hollywood.
The move to Audible follows Higher Ground’s exit from Spotify, where the production company — founded by Barack and Michelle Obama — previously had a multiyear deal to create podcasts exclusively for the Stockholm-based audio giant. Though Audible’s original content, known as Audible Originals, is typically made available only for subscribers, the Amazon-owned company does offer some of its original content on all major audio platforms, providing the Obamas with the opportunity to reach a broader audience in comparison to shows that have previously launched exclusively on Spotify.
In a statement Tuesday, former First Lady Michelle Obama alluded to as much, noting how the deal with Audible...
- 6/21/2022
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
South by Southwest Conference and Festivals has set additional Keynotes and Featured Speakers names for the 36th annual festival, which celebrates the intersections of the technology, film, and music industries.
“The 2022 Conference program is coming together in a spectacular fashion. We could not be more thrilled to announce a Keynote lineup that includes Lizzo, Beck, Neal Stephenson, and Celine Tricart,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “These acclaimed creatives, along with the Featured Speakers revealed today, exemplify why SXSW is an essential destination for global professionals.”
The SXSW Conference, is organized into 15 programming tracks presented in a variety of session formats. New for 2022 is the addition of Summits, which take a deep dive into specific topics relevant to the SXSW audience.
SXSW runs March 11-20 in Austin.
The list of keynotes and featured speakers includes Grammy-winning artist Lizzo, also star and executive producer of Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,...
“The 2022 Conference program is coming together in a spectacular fashion. We could not be more thrilled to announce a Keynote lineup that includes Lizzo, Beck, Neal Stephenson, and Celine Tricart,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “These acclaimed creatives, along with the Featured Speakers revealed today, exemplify why SXSW is an essential destination for global professionals.”
The SXSW Conference, is organized into 15 programming tracks presented in a variety of session formats. New for 2022 is the addition of Summits, which take a deep dive into specific topics relevant to the SXSW audience.
SXSW runs March 11-20 in Austin.
The list of keynotes and featured speakers includes Grammy-winning artist Lizzo, also star and executive producer of Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,...
- 2/15/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Another day, another megadeal for multihyphenate creator Issa Rae, as the “Insecure” mastermind and her “audio everywhere” company Raedio have inked an exclusive development deal with Audible.
Through the worldwide exclusive multi-project pact, Raedio and Audible will collaborate on Audible Original podcasts from a variety of audio genres including scripted comedy, audio extensions of existing content and entertainment-based nonfiction projects.
Rae and Raedio president Benoni Tagoe will executive produce the forthcoming projects.
“At Audible, we are committed to working with innovative voices that move and influence culture — this goal is fully realized and met by Raedio,” commented Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios. “We are thrilled to be in business with Issa and Benoni who consistently create extraordinarily rich content defined by character-driven storytelling.”
Launched in 2019, Raedio serves artists and creators by operating as the home to a dynamic roster of talent. Among other ventures, Raedio provides music supervision services for television projects at Starz,...
Through the worldwide exclusive multi-project pact, Raedio and Audible will collaborate on Audible Original podcasts from a variety of audio genres including scripted comedy, audio extensions of existing content and entertainment-based nonfiction projects.
Rae and Raedio president Benoni Tagoe will executive produce the forthcoming projects.
“At Audible, we are committed to working with innovative voices that move and influence culture — this goal is fully realized and met by Raedio,” commented Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios. “We are thrilled to be in business with Issa and Benoni who consistently create extraordinarily rich content defined by character-driven storytelling.”
Launched in 2019, Raedio serves artists and creators by operating as the home to a dynamic roster of talent. Among other ventures, Raedio provides music supervision services for television projects at Starz,...
- 1/20/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Kenya Barris will look to own your ears next.
The prolific producer of TV and film has inked a worldwide, multi-year development deal with audio giant Audible. Barris’ offerings, via his Khalabo Ink Society, are likely to include everything from scripted fiction and unscripted nonfiction to documentaries and talk series.
“Kenya is a world-class creator who has the deft ability to address complex issues with fearlessness, depth and levity,” said Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios. “His brilliant approach to storytelling will resonate widely and we simply can’t wait to share it with our global audience.”
Per Barris, Khalabo is expected to ...
The prolific producer of TV and film has inked a worldwide, multi-year development deal with audio giant Audible. Barris’ offerings, via his Khalabo Ink Society, are likely to include everything from scripted fiction and unscripted nonfiction to documentaries and talk series.
“Kenya is a world-class creator who has the deft ability to address complex issues with fearlessness, depth and levity,” said Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios. “His brilliant approach to storytelling will resonate widely and we simply can’t wait to share it with our global audience.”
Per Barris, Khalabo is expected to ...
- 6/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Kenya Barris will look to own your ears next.
The prolific producer of TV and film has inked a worldwide, multi-year development deal with audio giant Audible. Barris’ offerings, via his Khalabo Ink Society, are likely to include everything from scripted fiction and unscripted nonfiction to documentaries and talk series.
“Kenya is a world-class creator who has the deft ability to address complex issues with fearlessness, depth and levity,” said Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios. “His brilliant approach to storytelling will resonate widely and we simply can’t wait to share it with our global audience.”
Per Barris, Khalabo is expected to ...
The prolific producer of TV and film has inked a worldwide, multi-year development deal with audio giant Audible. Barris’ offerings, via his Khalabo Ink Society, are likely to include everything from scripted fiction and unscripted nonfiction to documentaries and talk series.
“Kenya is a world-class creator who has the deft ability to address complex issues with fearlessness, depth and levity,” said Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios. “His brilliant approach to storytelling will resonate widely and we simply can’t wait to share it with our global audience.”
Per Barris, Khalabo is expected to ...
- 6/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zola Mashariki, who spent 15 years at Fox Searchlight and also had stints at BET and Just Mercy production company One Community, has been named head of Audible Studios.
The Amazon-owned company said Mashariki will spearhead original content from conception through release. Based in LA, she will report to U.S. content chief Rachel Ghiazza, who joined Audible in 2019 and rose to her current post in 2020.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling,” Ghiazza said. “With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio—a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to reimagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences.”
Founded in 1995 and acquired by Amazon in 2008, Audible is a leading player in the burgeoning audio sector and has a portfolio of original podcasts.
“I...
The Amazon-owned company said Mashariki will spearhead original content from conception through release. Based in LA, she will report to U.S. content chief Rachel Ghiazza, who joined Audible in 2019 and rose to her current post in 2020.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling,” Ghiazza said. “With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio—a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to reimagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences.”
Founded in 1995 and acquired by Amazon in 2008, Audible is a leading player in the burgeoning audio sector and has a portfolio of original podcasts.
“I...
- 4/5/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Audible has named Zola Mashariki head of Audible Studios, where she will lead the audio storytelling company’s original content.
Mashariki, a Hollywood veteran and former executive with Fox Searchlight, will have oversight of the entire studio operation from conception through its release, including the development and implementation of content strategy.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio–a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to re-imagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences,” Rachel Ghiazza, EVP, Head of US Content, said in a statement. “Zola’s track record of creating award-winning, breakout hits, her exquisite taste, production expertise, and deep understanding of the intersection of audience appetite and quality content is beyond impressive. Her...
Mashariki, a Hollywood veteran and former executive with Fox Searchlight, will have oversight of the entire studio operation from conception through its release, including the development and implementation of content strategy.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio–a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to re-imagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences,” Rachel Ghiazza, EVP, Head of US Content, said in a statement. “Zola’s track record of creating award-winning, breakout hits, her exquisite taste, production expertise, and deep understanding of the intersection of audience appetite and quality content is beyond impressive. Her...
- 4/5/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Zola Mashariki, a veteran of Fox Searchlight Pictures and BET Networks, has been named head of Amazon-owned Audible Studios.
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
Zola Mashariki, a veteran of Fox Searchlight Pictures and BET Networks, has been named head of Amazon-owned Audible Studios.
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
In her new role, Mashariki will oversee the creation of all original content and will manage the entire studio operation, including the development and implementation of content strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, executive vp/head of U.S. content.
“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio — a ...
Alice Marie Johnson, the inmate whose life sentence was commuted in part through the efforts of Kim Kardashian West, has set a movie and TV pact with Endeavor Content and One Community.
The deal will stem from Johnson’s memoir, “After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom.” Harper Collins will publish the book on May 21, which will include a foreword by Kardashian West.
“My life has forever changed because of Alice Marie Johnson,” Kardashian West said. “Her story is a gift that will now reach so many millions more through her book and film. I hope Alice’s case is just the beginning of a movement to help those left behind. I am invested in continuing to support Alice and this cause.”
Johnson was serving a life sentence for non-violent drug trafficking until President Donald Trump commuted her sentence last year. Kardashian West personally lobbied him in the Oval Office.
The deal will stem from Johnson’s memoir, “After Life: My Journey From Incarceration to Freedom.” Harper Collins will publish the book on May 21, which will include a foreword by Kardashian West.
“My life has forever changed because of Alice Marie Johnson,” Kardashian West said. “Her story is a gift that will now reach so many millions more through her book and film. I hope Alice’s case is just the beginning of a movement to help those left behind. I am invested in continuing to support Alice and this cause.”
Johnson was serving a life sentence for non-violent drug trafficking until President Donald Trump commuted her sentence last year. Kardashian West personally lobbied him in the Oval Office.
- 2/6/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Doing good for humankind while making bank at the box office can be tricky business, but producer Scott Budnick’s activist content company One Community has received millions of dollars in fresh financing and kicked off development on an action thriller with Margot Robbie.
Budnick, an executive producer on hit comedy franchise “The Hangover,” set up shop this January with Endeavor Content leading an initial $25 million investment. Originally named Good Films, the operation now has $50 million in slate financing thanks to a few new key players.
Live Nation Entertainment and its CEO, Michael Rapino (through his eponymous family foundation), join Kimberly Steward’s K Period Media as investors, alongside Pmc stakeholder Dan Loeb, former hedge fund manager and bitcoin billionaire Mike Novogratz, Starwood Capital CEO Barry Sternlicht and Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin among others.
Budnick has also made key hires in content and strategy, which fulfill what the executive...
Budnick, an executive producer on hit comedy franchise “The Hangover,” set up shop this January with Endeavor Content leading an initial $25 million investment. Originally named Good Films, the operation now has $50 million in slate financing thanks to a few new key players.
Live Nation Entertainment and its CEO, Michael Rapino (through his eponymous family foundation), join Kimberly Steward’s K Period Media as investors, alongside Pmc stakeholder Dan Loeb, former hedge fund manager and bitcoin billionaire Mike Novogratz, Starwood Capital CEO Barry Sternlicht and Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin among others.
Budnick has also made key hires in content and strategy, which fulfill what the executive...
- 11/14/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Debra Lee is stepping down from her position as chairman and CEO of Bet Networks effective May 28, the company announced Thursday.
Lee began her career with the company as its first vice president and general counsel in 1986. She was elevated to president and COO in 1996 and became chairman and CEO in 2005. In December, Bet announced that Lee would remain as chairman and CEO but would step away from her day-to-day duties, with Scott M. Mills rejoining Bet as president.
“In 1986 I joined Bet Networks to be its very first in-house counsel. As a young corporate attorney I saw my role as the protector of the Bet brand and its employees and today, more than 32 years later, I still see myself as the protector and defender of a brand that I have helped to grow as a top destination for audiences across the globe,” Lee said in a statement. “I have...
Lee began her career with the company as its first vice president and general counsel in 1986. She was elevated to president and COO in 1996 and became chairman and CEO in 2005. In December, Bet announced that Lee would remain as chairman and CEO but would step away from her day-to-day duties, with Scott M. Mills rejoining Bet as president.
“In 1986 I joined Bet Networks to be its very first in-house counsel. As a young corporate attorney I saw my role as the protector of the Bet brand and its employees and today, more than 32 years later, I still see myself as the protector and defender of a brand that I have helped to grow as a top destination for audiences across the globe,” Lee said in a statement. “I have...
- 5/24/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Just more than two months after it looked like all sides were solidly locked in a legal battle, Viacom and Bet today announced they've come to a settlement with Zola Mashariki in the former executive's discrimination suit. "As Head of Original Programming, Zola Mashariki brought fresh new content and top-notch talent to Bet Networks,” Bet said in a statement to Deadline on Tuesday. “We thank Ms. Mashariki for her many valuable contributions, and our thoughts are with her…...
- 12/12/2017
- Deadline TV
Bet Networks said today that Connie Orlando has been officially appointed Evp Head of Programming, a role she stepped into on an interim basis in March after the cable network parted ways with President of Programming Stephen Hill and Evp Head of Original Programming Zola Mashariki. The latter departure resulted in a lawsuit filed by Mashariki against Bet and parent company Viacom claiming gender discrimination and wrongful termination; the case is pending. Orlando was…...
- 9/28/2017
- Deadline TV
Less than a month after Zola Mashariki smacked Bet and parent company Viacom with a gender-discrimination and wrongful-termination lawsuit, the media outlets have hit back against the former Head of Original Programming in an multi-pronged attempt to disconnect from each other and get the case dismissed. "Bet respectfully requests that the Court dismiss Mashariki's Complaint in its entirety, and, as for Mashariki's second and eighth claims, as asserted against [former…...
- 5/31/2017
- Deadline TV
Ousted Bet executive Zola Mashariki is suing her former cable channel, its parent company Viacom, and ex-boss Stephen Hill over what she believes to be her wrongful termination. These claims go way beyond that, however. In a suit filed Wednesday in the central district of California, the plaintiff also accuses the defendants of fostering a “misogynistic culture,” one leading to “gender discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, interference with protected medical leave, unequal pay, wrongful termination, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and defamation.” Perhaps most egregiously, Mashariki states that an unnamed senior executive at Bet accused her.
- 5/4/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Just more than a month Bet's Head of Original Programming Zola Mashariki disputed that she had left the Viacom-owned channel, she has hit the media giant with a gender-discrimination and wrongful-termination lawsuit amidst claims of a "misogynistic culture." Viacom was quick to push back against the claims today, as its latest financial report came out. "These claims misrepresent the facts and are without merit," a spokesperson for the Sumner Redstone-controlled company…...
- 5/4/2017
- Deadline TV
The news yesterday that Bet Head of Original Programming Zola Mashariki are departing the Viacom network is being disputed by Mashariki, who says she is on medical leave and her job is protected. In a note to Bet staff obtained by Deadline on Thursday evening, Mashariki wrote she was “concerned” to read she was part of the network’s announcement that included the exit of Hill, whose last day is today. She said she had been on medical leave since surgery last month after…...
- 3/31/2017
- Deadline TV
Bet says it has fired head of original programming Zola Mashariki — but she disagrees. This morning, TheWrap obtained an email in which Mashariki says that despite Bet announcing her exit on Wednesday, she is still with the company on a medical leave since after being diagnosed with breast cancer in February. Mashariki further charges that the company’s announcement violates company policy, and possibly the Family Medical Leave Act. A Bet rep told TheWrap: “These claims misrepresent the facts and are without merit. We strongly deny any allegation of wrongdoing.” Also Read: Bet Shakeup as Top Executives Exit Additionally, a...
- 3/31/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Bet Networks said that President of Programming Stephen Hill is stepping down at week’s end, and Evp Head of Original Programming Zola Mashariki is also departing. Connie Orlando, Svp Specials, Music Programming, and News, will serve as the interim Head of Programming, according to chairman and CEO Debra Lee, who broke the news to staff at the Viacom-owned network via memo (read them below). The news comes a month ahead of Bet Networks’ annual upfront presentation to…...
- 3/29/2017
- Deadline TV
Bet Networks has named Brie Miranda Bryant Senior Vice President of Unscripted, Original Programming. Reporting to Zola Mashariki, Evp, Head of Original Programming, Bryant will be responsible for overseeing all unscripted development and production for the network. She will be based in New York. "Brie is a talented creative executive with a knack for identifying complex, real life experiences and transforming them into rich and nuanced stories that audiences can't get…...
- 2/9/2016
- Deadline TV
Bet Networks Nabs Fox Searchlight Veteran, Zola Mashariki, for Head of Original Programming Position
Following last year's news that Loretha Jones exited the President of Original Programming position at Bet Networks, which was later followed by the appointment of Stephen Hill as President of Programming, Bet has now announced the hiring of Fox Searchlight veteran, Zola Mashariki, to the network's Executive Vice President and Head of Original Programming position, which will see her in charge of both scripted and unscripted programming, reporting to President of Programming Stephen Hill, who reports to Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO of Bet Networks. With Hill based in New York, Mashariki will stay in La. Mashariki, who has had a long career at Fox...
- 4/24/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Bet Networks has named veteran Fox Searchlight production executive Zola Mashariki as Evp and head of original programming. Based in Los Angeles, she will oversee scripted and unscripted programming and development as well as casting for the cable network, reporting to Bet Networks president of programming Stephen Hill. Mashariki’s appointment completes the restructuring in Bet’s top programming ranks following the September departure of president of original programming L…...
- 4/24/2015
- Deadline TV
Common is going to act. It’s finally going to happen. I know what you’re thinking … he was in Terminator Salvation and American Gangster. But he was just hanging out. He wasn’t acting. Those were small, forgettable roles. Here, in Just Wright he’s the male lead. We’re finally going to see what he’s capable of. Here’s the news release.
Fox Searchlight Pictures President of Production Claudia Lewis announced today that principal photography on Just Wright will begin in mid July, in New York. Starring Academy Award® nominee Queen Latifah (The Secret Life Of Bees, Chicago), Paula Patton (Precious, Mirrors) and Common (Terminator Salvation, American Gangster), the film will be directed by Sanaa Hamri (Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2), based on a script by Michael Elliot.
The story revolves around a sports trainer (Latifah) who finds herself falling in love with a professional basketball player...
Fox Searchlight Pictures President of Production Claudia Lewis announced today that principal photography on Just Wright will begin in mid July, in New York. Starring Academy Award® nominee Queen Latifah (The Secret Life Of Bees, Chicago), Paula Patton (Precious, Mirrors) and Common (Terminator Salvation, American Gangster), the film will be directed by Sanaa Hamri (Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2), based on a script by Michael Elliot.
The story revolves around a sports trainer (Latifah) who finds herself falling in love with a professional basketball player...
- 6/20/2009
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Russell Crowe is going back to his roots. The Oscar-winning actor is in negotiations to topline the big-screen adaptation of Australian author Murray Bail's award-winning novel Eucalyptus. The project would reunite Crowe with director Jocelyn Moorhouse, for whom he starred in 1991's Proof. Fox Searchlight Pictures is financing and distributing, with Uberto Pasolini and Lynda House producing. House also produced Proof. Michelle Joyner adapted the book and wrote the original screenplay, with Moorhouse coming in to work on the script. Searchlight's Zola Mashariki is understood to be overseeing for the studio. Searchlight declined comment.
- 7/19/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Russell Crowe is going back to his roots. The Oscar-winning actor is in negotiations to topline the big-screen adaptation of Australian author Murray Bail's award-winning novel Eucalyptus. The project would reunite Crowe with director Jocelyn Moorhouse, for whom he starred in 1991's Proof. Fox Searchlight Pictures is financing and distributing, with Uberto Pasolini and Lynda House producing. House also produced Proof. Michelle Joyner adapted the book and wrote the original screenplay, with Moorhouse coming in to work on the script. Searchlight's Zola Mashariki is understood to be overseeing for the studio. Searchlight declined comment.
- 7/19/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diane Keaton is set to star in Da Vinci's Mother, a drama that Michael Besman and casting guru Bonnie Timmermann have set up at Fox Searchlight. The Oscar-winning actress will play a woman who sets out on a journey to get to know her son after he commits suicide. She takes a job where he waitered, spends time with his friends and girlfriend and in the process makes some major discoveries about herself. Timmermann and Besman are producing. Zola Mashariki and Claudia Lewis are overseeing for the studio. Penned by Jude Baas, the project was first brought to Fox by way of Jim Sheridan, who is working on an HBO anthology with Timmermann.
- 5/19/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diane Keaton is set to star in Da Vinci's Mother, a drama that Michael Besman and casting guru Bonnie Timmermann have set up at Fox Searchlight. The Oscar-winning actress will play a woman who sets out on a journey to get to know her son after he commits suicide. She takes a job where he waitered, spends time with his friends and girlfriend and in the process makes some major discoveries about herself. Timmermann and Besman are producing. Zola Mashariki and Claudia Lewis are overseeing for the studio. Penned by Jude Baas, the project was first brought to Fox by way of Jim Sheridan, who is working on an HBO anthology with Timmermann.
- 5/19/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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