Exclusive: Mrs Wilson producer Snowed-In Productions has hired Victoria Fea, the former ITV commissioner who co-founded Longboat Pictures.
Fea joins Snowed-In as an executive producer in June, reporting to CEO Ruth Kenley-Letts. Her appointment follows the departure of Jenny van der Lande to Big Talk Studios.
Snowed-In is behind projects including Itvx’s upcoming Sophie Turner series Joan and Mrs Wilson, the BBC’s Ruth Wilson drama. It also made The Midwich Cuckoos for Sky.
Fea said Snowed-In had a reputation for “classy” television, while Kenley-Letts paid tribute to van der Lande’s tenure at the company.
Longboat Changes
Fea’s exit from Longboat follows an ownership change at the production company she co-founded in 2019 with Julie Anne Robinson, a director who has worked on Doctor Who and Bridgerton.
Sky exited Longboat last year after taking a 25% stake in the company in 2020. Longboat is now wholly owned by The Story Collective,...
Fea joins Snowed-In as an executive producer in June, reporting to CEO Ruth Kenley-Letts. Her appointment follows the departure of Jenny van der Lande to Big Talk Studios.
Snowed-In is behind projects including Itvx’s upcoming Sophie Turner series Joan and Mrs Wilson, the BBC’s Ruth Wilson drama. It also made The Midwich Cuckoos for Sky.
Fea said Snowed-In had a reputation for “classy” television, while Kenley-Letts paid tribute to van der Lande’s tenure at the company.
Longboat Changes
Fea’s exit from Longboat follows an ownership change at the production company she co-founded in 2019 with Julie Anne Robinson, a director who has worked on Doctor Who and Bridgerton.
Sky exited Longboat last year after taking a 25% stake in the company in 2020. Longboat is now wholly owned by The Story Collective,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
UK producers Damian Keogh and Simon Vaughan, previously at TV drama juggernaut Lookout Point, have launched their own film and TV studios The Story Works in Richmond, southwest London.
The 22-acre site, a former brewery dating as far back as the 11th century, was originally intended as a temporary base for production on Steven Knight’s upcoming Disney+ series A Thousand Blows which Keogh and Vaughan produced via The Story Collective with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.
Through their production company, founded in 2021 alongside Helen Jackson, the pair recently signed a lease with the developers to continue operating...
The 22-acre site, a former brewery dating as far back as the 11th century, was originally intended as a temporary base for production on Steven Knight’s upcoming Disney+ series A Thousand Blows which Keogh and Vaughan produced via The Story Collective with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.
Through their production company, founded in 2021 alongside Helen Jackson, the pair recently signed a lease with the developers to continue operating...
- 4/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
UK producers Damian Keogh and Simon Vaughan, previously at TV drama juggernaut Lookout Point, have launched their own film and TV studios The Story Works in Richmond, southwest London.
The 22-acre site, a former brewery dating as far back as the 11th century, was originally intended as a temporary base for production on Steven Knight’s upcoming Disney+ series A Thousand Blows which Keogh and Vaughan produced via The Story Collective with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.
Through their production company, founded in 2021 alongside Helen Jackson, the pair recently signed a lease with the developers to continue operating...
The 22-acre site, a former brewery dating as far back as the 11th century, was originally intended as a temporary base for production on Steven Knight’s upcoming Disney+ series A Thousand Blows which Keogh and Vaughan produced via The Story Collective with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.
Through their production company, founded in 2021 alongside Helen Jackson, the pair recently signed a lease with the developers to continue operating...
- 4/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
Actor, director and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah has joined the board of Fifth Season-backed production company The Story Collective.
In the role, Kwei-Armah will bring expertise and mentorship to various projects in development as well as nurturing new ideas to bring to screen.
Kwei-Armah is currently the artistic director for the Young Vic theater in London. Previously he served as artistic director of Baltimore Center Stage in Maryland, where he directed Toni Morrison’s “Jazz” and “One Night in Miami,” which was later adapted into a film starring Kingsley Ben-Adir.
He is set to make his directorial feature debut with upcoming film “The Collaboration,” starring Paul Bettany as Andy Warhol and Jeremy Pope as Jean-Michel Basquiat. He directed both the London and Broadway versions of the play. He also co-wrote John Boyega starrer “Breaking” and an episode of “Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle,” on which he was also an exec producer.
In the role, Kwei-Armah will bring expertise and mentorship to various projects in development as well as nurturing new ideas to bring to screen.
Kwei-Armah is currently the artistic director for the Young Vic theater in London. Previously he served as artistic director of Baltimore Center Stage in Maryland, where he directed Toni Morrison’s “Jazz” and “One Night in Miami,” which was later adapted into a film starring Kingsley Ben-Adir.
He is set to make his directorial feature debut with upcoming film “The Collaboration,” starring Paul Bettany as Andy Warhol and Jeremy Pope as Jean-Michel Basquiat. He directed both the London and Broadway versions of the play. He also co-wrote John Boyega starrer “Breaking” and an episode of “Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle,” on which he was also an exec producer.
- 1/11/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
A sequel to the British holiday film Your Christmas Or Mine? has been greenlit at Amazon, with stars Asa Butterfield (Sex Education) and Cora Kirk (Prey for the Devil) signed on to return.
Titled Your Christmas Or Mine 2, the pic will hit Prime Video in December 2023. American actress Jane Krakowski (30 Rock) has joined the cast. Cast also returning from the first edition are Alex Jennings (The Crown), Daniel Mays (Fisherman’s Friends), David Bradley (Harry Potter series), Angela Griffin (White Lines), and Natalie Gumede (Titans).
Synopsis reads: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but will it be for James and Hayley? James’ father has invited the Taylors to spend Christmas in a luxury ski resort in the Austrian Alps so they can meet his new American girlfriend (played by Jane Krakowski). However, Hayley’s dad Geoff insisted on handling his family’s side of the booking, and something got lost in translation.
Titled Your Christmas Or Mine 2, the pic will hit Prime Video in December 2023. American actress Jane Krakowski (30 Rock) has joined the cast. Cast also returning from the first edition are Alex Jennings (The Crown), Daniel Mays (Fisherman’s Friends), David Bradley (Harry Potter series), Angela Griffin (White Lines), and Natalie Gumede (Titans).
Synopsis reads: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but will it be for James and Hayley? James’ father has invited the Taylors to spend Christmas in a luxury ski resort in the Austrian Alps so they can meet his new American girlfriend (played by Jane Krakowski). However, Hayley’s dad Geoff insisted on handling his family’s side of the booking, and something got lost in translation.
- 7/3/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
’The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ on course to be biggest animated film in the territory.
Australia’s gross box office for the first quarter of 2023 reached A$217.8m (US$145m), 26% down for the same period in 2019 according to Comscore.
But the industry is hopeful that as the pipeline of US titles speeds up, audiences will respond well.
“The biggest difference (between 2023 and 2019) was the number of tentpole studio films,” says Comscore’s vice president of movies for the Asia Pacific and Australia, Frank Perikleous. “Ten films passed A$10m in 2019. This year there’s only been four. The Hollywood studios are ramping up,...
Australia’s gross box office for the first quarter of 2023 reached A$217.8m (US$145m), 26% down for the same period in 2019 according to Comscore.
But the industry is hopeful that as the pipeline of US titles speeds up, audiences will respond well.
“The biggest difference (between 2023 and 2019) was the number of tentpole studio films,” says Comscore’s vice president of movies for the Asia Pacific and Australia, Frank Perikleous. “Ten films passed A$10m in 2019. This year there’s only been four. The Hollywood studios are ramping up,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
Erin Doherty, who broke out playing Princess Anne in the third and fourth seasons of The Crown, has joined the cast of Disney+ series A Thousand Blows.
First announced by The Hollywood Reporter last year, the 12-part series is set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, and was created and written by Stephen Knight and exec produced by Stephen Graham, who also stars.
With filming now underway in London, also joining the cast are Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce, Hannah Walters, Nadia Albinam, Morgan Hilaire, Jemma Carlton and Caoilfhionn Dunne. Small Axe star Malachi Kirby was previously announced as playing a lead role.
A Thousand Blows — still a working title — follows Hezekiah (Kirby) and Alec (Lovehall), two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene,...
First announced by The Hollywood Reporter last year, the 12-part series is set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, and was created and written by Stephen Knight and exec produced by Stephen Graham, who also stars.
With filming now underway in London, also joining the cast are Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce, Hannah Walters, Nadia Albinam, Morgan Hilaire, Jemma Carlton and Caoilfhionn Dunne. Small Axe star Malachi Kirby was previously announced as playing a lead role.
A Thousand Blows — still a working title — follows Hezekiah (Kirby) and Alec (Lovehall), two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Crown star Erin Doherty has boarded Steven Knight’s Disney+ period drama A Thousand Blows.
Doherty, who attracted plaudits for her portrayal of Princess Anne in the Netflix royal drama, will play Mary Carr, the leader of the Forty Elephants. She stars opposite Malachi Kirby, who Deadline revealed is leading the series several weeks ago, and Stephen Graham. Topboy‘s Ashley Walters has boarded as series director.
A Thousand Blows is set in the world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. Hezekiah (Kirby) and best friend Alec (Francis Lovehall) find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End, meeting Carr (Doherty) and seasoned boxer Sugar Goodson (Graham) along the way.
Doherty, who also led BBC/Amazon Prime Video drama Chloe, is joined by additional cast revealed today including Jason Tobin and James Nelson-Joyce, while Walters is unveiled as series director with Coky Giedroyc.
Doherty, who attracted plaudits for her portrayal of Princess Anne in the Netflix royal drama, will play Mary Carr, the leader of the Forty Elephants. She stars opposite Malachi Kirby, who Deadline revealed is leading the series several weeks ago, and Stephen Graham. Topboy‘s Ashley Walters has boarded as series director.
A Thousand Blows is set in the world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. Hezekiah (Kirby) and best friend Alec (Francis Lovehall) find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End, meeting Carr (Doherty) and seasoned boxer Sugar Goodson (Graham) along the way.
Doherty, who also led BBC/Amazon Prime Video drama Chloe, is joined by additional cast revealed today including Jason Tobin and James Nelson-Joyce, while Walters is unveiled as series director with Coky Giedroyc.
- 3/16/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
There's value in finding one's wheelhouse, and Steven Knight certainly seems to have settled into his. Since he created "Peaky Blinders" back in 2013, the "Locke" and "Serenity" writer/director has come to specialize in penning similarly subversive period pieces for the small screen. That includes "Taboo," a crime drama series in which Tom Hardy dons a top hat to navigate the corrupt, muck-ridden world of 19th-century London; and "A Christmas Carol," the 2019 mini-series adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel that adds an extra helping of horror to the author's treasured ghost story.
Up next, Knight will continue to deal in tales of sweat, blood, and crime with "A Thousand Blows." The series will reunite Knight with his "Peaky Blinders," "Taboo," and "A Christmas Carol" star Stephen Graham, with Knight serving as creator, writer, and executive producer behind the camera. Knight's boxing drama (more on that shortly) will span 12 episodes and...
Up next, Knight will continue to deal in tales of sweat, blood, and crime with "A Thousand Blows." The series will reunite Knight with his "Peaky Blinders," "Taboo," and "A Christmas Carol" star Stephen Graham, with Knight serving as creator, writer, and executive producer behind the camera. Knight's boxing drama (more on that shortly) will span 12 episodes and...
- 8/24/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Put down the razor blades and lace up the gloves: “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight is entering the ring of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London via new Hulu (here)/Disney+ (overseas) series “A Thousand Blows.” He’ll have a familiar face by his side in star Stephen Graham, who appeared in several episodes of “Peaky Blinders” in its final season.
The new 12-part, hour-long series follows Hezekiah and Alec, best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving illegal boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets.
As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer played by Graham, and the two are soon...
The new 12-part, hour-long series follows Hezekiah and Alec, best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving illegal boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets.
As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer played by Graham, and the two are soon...
- 8/24/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Stephen Graham has joined the cast of acclaimed screenwriter Steven Knight’s period drama series ‘A Thousand Blows.’
The new 12-part series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, follows Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer played by Stephen Graham, and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.
Also in news – Samaritan Press Conference: Sylvester Stallone on entering a relatable superhero universe
Created, written and executive produced by Steven Knight,...
The new 12-part series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, follows Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer played by Stephen Graham, and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.
Also in news – Samaritan Press Conference: Sylvester Stallone on entering a relatable superhero universe
Created, written and executive produced by Steven Knight,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and U.K. acting star Stephen Graham are reuniting on the 12-part original period drama A Thousand Blows, set against the backdrop of Victorian London’s illegal boxing scene, for Disney+ and Hulu.
Knight takes creator, writer and executive producer credits while Graham stars and executive produces alongside Hannah Walters at their joint company Matriarch Productions, Damian Keogh and Kate Lewis for The Story Collective, and Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions.
The drama follows the fortunes of Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends newly arrived from Jamaica. Fighting for survival in the violent melting pot of Victorian London’s East End, they come up against Sugar Goodson, a dangerous, veteran boxer played by Graham.
The UK Original series will premiere on Disney+ globally, Star+ in Latin America and Hulu in the US.
Knight is the lead writer with episodes also written by Ameir Brown,...
Knight takes creator, writer and executive producer credits while Graham stars and executive produces alongside Hannah Walters at their joint company Matriarch Productions, Damian Keogh and Kate Lewis for The Story Collective, and Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions.
The drama follows the fortunes of Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends newly arrived from Jamaica. Fighting for survival in the violent melting pot of Victorian London’s East End, they come up against Sugar Goodson, a dangerous, veteran boxer played by Graham.
The UK Original series will premiere on Disney+ globally, Star+ in Latin America and Hulu in the US.
Knight is the lead writer with episodes also written by Ameir Brown,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and Peaky Blinders star Stephen Graham, two of the biggest and most respected names in British TV, are reuniting for a Disney+ U.K. original series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned.
With the working title A Thousand Blows, the 12-part series will premiere on Disney+ globally, Star+ in Latin America and Hulu in the U.S., and is being produced by The Story Collective in a co-production with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.
Based on real-life figures and stories, the series will follows Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr,...
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and Peaky Blinders star Stephen Graham, two of the biggest and most respected names in British TV, are reuniting for a Disney+ U.K. original series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned.
With the working title A Thousand Blows, the 12-part series will premiere on Disney+ globally, Star+ in Latin America and Hulu in the U.S., and is being produced by The Story Collective in a co-production with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.
Based on real-life figures and stories, the series will follows Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rebranding
Endeavor Content‘s U.K.-based content studio The Story Company, which was launched in 2021, has rebranded as The Story Collective and made three senior hires.
Former ITV Studios producer Kate Lewis (“Vera”) joins as executive producer and brings with her a slate of projects she has been developing under her Neon Ink banner. Lewis will manage and expand the company’s slate of scripted projects, and provide creative support to their portfolio of invested production companies and writer partnerships. Former Tiger Aspect executive Amy Mobley joins as head of production from Fremantle’s label Euston Films, where she was responsible for overseeing all of the company’s productions, including “Baghdad Central” and “The Sister.” Natasha Neill, who has had previous stints at Entertainment One, Greenbird Media and Shine TV, joins as CFO from her previous role at Lookout Point.
The executive management of The Story Collective includes former Lookout Point MD Damian Keogh,...
Endeavor Content‘s U.K.-based content studio The Story Company, which was launched in 2021, has rebranded as The Story Collective and made three senior hires.
Former ITV Studios producer Kate Lewis (“Vera”) joins as executive producer and brings with her a slate of projects she has been developing under her Neon Ink banner. Lewis will manage and expand the company’s slate of scripted projects, and provide creative support to their portfolio of invested production companies and writer partnerships. Former Tiger Aspect executive Amy Mobley joins as head of production from Fremantle’s label Euston Films, where she was responsible for overseeing all of the company’s productions, including “Baghdad Central” and “The Sister.” Natasha Neill, who has had previous stints at Entertainment One, Greenbird Media and Shine TV, joins as CFO from her previous role at Lookout Point.
The executive management of The Story Collective includes former Lookout Point MD Damian Keogh,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Greenlights Three Science Shows Including Brian Cox Mars Doc
The BBC has greenlit three science programs including a series in which Brian Cox heads inside the mission to Mars. In Arrow Media’s Seven Days on Mars feature doc, the celebrated TV scientist will be granted special privilege to access the Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory, mission control Mars. In 1980 he wrote to the laboratory asking for photos from Voyager and the Viking Mission to Mars and it was a source of inspiration to his becoming a physicist, and the show, shot over a week, will allow Cox to realize his dream as he navigates the Rover’s every move. In the process, Cox will reveal how the mission could potentially transform our understanding of life not just on Mars but Earth as well. “The Perseverance Rover, and the Mars Sample Return missions to follow, may answer a deeper question...
The BBC has greenlit three science programs including a series in which Brian Cox heads inside the mission to Mars. In Arrow Media’s Seven Days on Mars feature doc, the celebrated TV scientist will be granted special privilege to access the Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory, mission control Mars. In 1980 he wrote to the laboratory asking for photos from Voyager and the Viking Mission to Mars and it was a source of inspiration to his becoming a physicist, and the show, shot over a week, will allow Cox to realize his dream as he navigates the Rover’s every move. In the process, Cox will reveal how the mission could potentially transform our understanding of life not just on Mars but Earth as well. “The Perseverance Rover, and the Mars Sample Return missions to follow, may answer a deeper question...
- 4/28/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gentleman Jack producer Lookout Point’s investment in Shane Allen and Kate Daughton’s Boffola Pictures technically valued the new comedy indie at £4M ($5.4M), Deadline can reveal, while Lookout posted a £3.2M ($4.3M) loss for the Covid-impacted 2020/21 financial year.
Lookout’s full year accounts, which were released last month on Companies House, revealed the company invested £1M ($1.4M) to acquire 25% of Boffola Pictures’ share capital on May 4 2021, thereby technically valuing the company at £4M. The acquisition was made two months after the financial year covered in the accounts.
Little was known about the deal prior to the accounts being released, with Lookout only saying it had taken a minority stake when Boffola was officially launched over the summer.
The £4M valuation is a hefty price tag to place on a new scripted indie in a competitive field and is testament to Lookout’s desire to push into the...
Lookout’s full year accounts, which were released last month on Companies House, revealed the company invested £1M ($1.4M) to acquire 25% of Boffola Pictures’ share capital on May 4 2021, thereby technically valuing the company at £4M. The acquisition was made two months after the financial year covered in the accounts.
Little was known about the deal prior to the accounts being released, with Lookout only saying it had taken a minority stake when Boffola was officially launched over the summer.
The £4M valuation is a hefty price tag to place on a new scripted indie in a competitive field and is testament to Lookout’s desire to push into the...
- 1/5/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The movies are back! Today in Nsw, all cinemas can open at 75 per cent capacity for the fully vaccinated. While the impact of the pandemic on the screen sector has been far-reaching, theatrical exhibition has been among the most affected. Today is light at the end of the tunnel for many operators, and the line-up of films for the rest of year – which include the much delayed No Time To Die, Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Dune – offer promise.
Here, If speaks to Hoyts Group president and CEO Damian Keogh and Event Cinemas director of entertainment Luke Mackey to understand how they have prepared for today, and canvass their opinions on the current theatrical landscape.
If: How was your business impacted by the recent shutdowns, particularly given there was no JobKeeper this time around?
Keogh: Cinema has been one of the worst hit industries during the Covid-19 pandemic. In...
Here, If speaks to Hoyts Group president and CEO Damian Keogh and Event Cinemas director of entertainment Luke Mackey to understand how they have prepared for today, and canvass their opinions on the current theatrical landscape.
If: How was your business impacted by the recent shutdowns, particularly given there was no JobKeeper this time around?
Keogh: Cinema has been one of the worst hit industries during the Covid-19 pandemic. In...
- 10/11/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Endeavor Content continues to bolster its footing in the U.K. market with a new content studio led by some of the country’s top drama producers.
Based out of London, The Story Company will be helmed by former Lookout Point executive Damian Keogh as CEO, ex-BBC Worldwide content chief Helen Jackson as executive chair and Lookout Point founder Simon Vaughan as executive director.
Joining the Story Company board as non-executive directors are Jonathan Norman (MD at global investment bank Gca Altium) and Chris Rice (co-president of Endeavor Content).
The outfit will look to help acquire rights, commission scripts, package projects and manage the sales process. It will both partner with other production entities, as well as work directly with both established and emerging creators and writers.
Crucially, The Story Company will also make equity investments itself into other content businesses, ranging from start-ups to more established producers, positioning...
Based out of London, The Story Company will be helmed by former Lookout Point executive Damian Keogh as CEO, ex-BBC Worldwide content chief Helen Jackson as executive chair and Lookout Point founder Simon Vaughan as executive director.
Joining the Story Company board as non-executive directors are Jonathan Norman (MD at global investment bank Gca Altium) and Chris Rice (co-president of Endeavor Content).
The outfit will look to help acquire rights, commission scripts, package projects and manage the sales process. It will both partner with other production entities, as well as work directly with both established and emerging creators and writers.
Crucially, The Story Company will also make equity investments itself into other content businesses, ranging from start-ups to more established producers, positioning...
- 6/22/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Damian Keogh and Simon Vaughan, formerly of Gentleman Jack producer Lookout Point, and former BBC Worldwide exec Helen Jackson have launched a new UK-based content studio backed by Endeavor Content.
The trio have launched The Story Company, which is designed to back script development and new scripted production companies.
They aim to acquire rights, commission scripts, package projects and manage the sales process for scripted series coming out of the UK. They will work with third party producers as well as creators and writers and are also planning to make equity investments into content businesses, ranging from start-ups to more established producers.
As part of the launch, Keogh is leaving BBC Studios-owned Lookout Point, where he was Managing Director to become CEO. Vaughan, who was founder of Lookout Point and left in 2019, becomes Executive Director and Helen Jackson, who was previously Content Chief of BBC Worldwide becomes Executive Chair.
The trio have launched The Story Company, which is designed to back script development and new scripted production companies.
They aim to acquire rights, commission scripts, package projects and manage the sales process for scripted series coming out of the UK. They will work with third party producers as well as creators and writers and are also planning to make equity investments into content businesses, ranging from start-ups to more established producers.
As part of the launch, Keogh is leaving BBC Studios-owned Lookout Point, where he was Managing Director to become CEO. Vaughan, who was founder of Lookout Point and left in 2019, becomes Executive Director and Helen Jackson, who was previously Content Chief of BBC Worldwide becomes Executive Chair.
- 6/22/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Another scripted TV venture has entered the ring, but one founded by three of the most respected names in British TV drama and launching with the backing of a major U.S. entity.
The Story Company, announced Tuesday, reunites Damian Keogh and Simon Vaughan — who were both at Lookout Point, the banner behind prestige dramas including War and Peace, A Suitable Boy, Gentleman Jack and Les Miserables — and Helen Jackson, the former content chief of BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios). Jackson, who built BBC Worldwide’s production business by guiding indie success stories including Left Bank, Baby Cow and Clerkenwell and overseeing its programming fund,...
The Story Company, announced Tuesday, reunites Damian Keogh and Simon Vaughan — who were both at Lookout Point, the banner behind prestige dramas including War and Peace, A Suitable Boy, Gentleman Jack and Les Miserables — and Helen Jackson, the former content chief of BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios). Jackson, who built BBC Worldwide’s production business by guiding indie success stories including Left Bank, Baby Cow and Clerkenwell and overseeing its programming fund,...
- 6/22/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Another scripted TV venture has entered the ring, but one founded by three of the most respected names in British TV drama and launching with the backing of a major U.S. entity.
The Story Company, announced Tuesday, reunites Damian Keogh and Simon Vaughan — who were both at Lookout Point, the banner behind prestige dramas including War and Peace, A Suitable Boy, Gentleman Jack and Les Miserables — and Helen Jackson, the former content chief of BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios). Jackson, who built BBC Worldwide’s production business by guiding indie success stories including Left Bank, Baby Cow and Clerkenwell and overseeing its programming fund,...
The Story Company, announced Tuesday, reunites Damian Keogh and Simon Vaughan — who were both at Lookout Point, the banner behind prestige dramas including War and Peace, A Suitable Boy, Gentleman Jack and Les Miserables — and Helen Jackson, the former content chief of BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios). Jackson, who built BBC Worldwide’s production business by guiding indie success stories including Left Bank, Baby Cow and Clerkenwell and overseeing its programming fund,...
- 6/22/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC Networks-backed streamer Acorn TV has snapped up North American rights to Mira Nair’s acclaimed period drama “A Suitable Boy.”
The eagerly anticipated deal, which was brokered with producer Lookout Point and distributor BBC Studios, will see Acorn TV premiere the series to audiences in the U.S. and Canada on Dec. 7.
The six-part drama recently closed the Toronto International Film Festival — the first television title to do so — and also screened as part of AFI Fest’s ‘Special Presentations’ program. An adaptation of the eponymous Vikram Seth novel, which weighs in at around 1,349 pages, “A Suitable Boy” was adapted by “War and Peace” scribe Andrew Davies. Seth also served as an executive producer on the show.
Set in post-Partition North India in 1951, “A Suitable Boy” tells the story of spirited 19-year-old university student Lata Mehra (rising star Tanya Maniktala) as she comes of age at the same...
The eagerly anticipated deal, which was brokered with producer Lookout Point and distributor BBC Studios, will see Acorn TV premiere the series to audiences in the U.S. and Canada on Dec. 7.
The six-part drama recently closed the Toronto International Film Festival — the first television title to do so — and also screened as part of AFI Fest’s ‘Special Presentations’ program. An adaptation of the eponymous Vikram Seth novel, which weighs in at around 1,349 pages, “A Suitable Boy” was adapted by “War and Peace” scribe Andrew Davies. Seth also served as an executive producer on the show.
Set in post-Partition North India in 1951, “A Suitable Boy” tells the story of spirited 19-year-old university student Lata Mehra (rising star Tanya Maniktala) as she comes of age at the same...
- 10/27/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Eric Bana in ‘The Dry.’
Roadshow will launch Robert Connolly’s The Dry on January 1 and Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom on January 21, raising exhibitors’ hopes of a strong start to the year on the proviso that a raft of Hollywood titles are not postponed.
Seeing gaps in the market, Roadshow moved up Connolly’s crime thriller adapted from the Jane Harper novel, starring Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell and John Polson, from April.
The distributor shifted Ivin’s drama starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, adapted from Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel, which had been scheduled for New Year’s Day, to the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Dry is a great addition for Roadshow,” says Wallis Cinema’s Bob Parr, adding that it would be a disaster for cinemas if more Hollywood tentpoles such as Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984 and Universal’s...
Roadshow will launch Robert Connolly’s The Dry on January 1 and Glendyn Ivin’s Penguin Bloom on January 21, raising exhibitors’ hopes of a strong start to the year on the proviso that a raft of Hollywood titles are not postponed.
Seeing gaps in the market, Roadshow moved up Connolly’s crime thriller adapted from the Jane Harper novel, starring Eric Bana, Genevieve O’Reilly, Keir O’Donnell and John Polson, from April.
The distributor shifted Ivin’s drama starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver, adapted from Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom’s novel, which had been scheduled for New Year’s Day, to the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Dry is a great addition for Roadshow,” says Wallis Cinema’s Bob Parr, adding that it would be a disaster for cinemas if more Hollywood tentpoles such as Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman 1984 and Universal’s...
- 10/25/2020
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
‘Antebellum.’
While the school holidays are giving ticket sales a modest uplift, the crisis for Australian cinemas shows no signs of abating, at least until Boxing Day.
The decision by MGM, Universal and James Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to shift the global release of No Time to Die from November to April 2021 is the latest blow to product-starved exhibitors.
The fourth quarter schedule looks threadbare after Disney decided to premiere Pixar’s Soul on Disney+ on December 25 and moved Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile to January 7 and Marvel’s Black Widow to April. Meanwhile Warner Bros. booted Denis Villeneuve’s Dune reboot to October 2021.
“The current situation seems absolutely catastrophic for exhibitors right now,” says Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Gm Alex Temesvari, whose top title last weekend was David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet.
“While it’s easy to understand on a case...
While the school holidays are giving ticket sales a modest uplift, the crisis for Australian cinemas shows no signs of abating, at least until Boxing Day.
The decision by MGM, Universal and James Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to shift the global release of No Time to Die from November to April 2021 is the latest blow to product-starved exhibitors.
The fourth quarter schedule looks threadbare after Disney decided to premiere Pixar’s Soul on Disney+ on December 25 and moved Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile to January 7 and Marvel’s Black Widow to April. Meanwhile Warner Bros. booted Denis Villeneuve’s Dune reboot to October 2021.
“The current situation seems absolutely catastrophic for exhibitors right now,” says Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Gm Alex Temesvari, whose top title last weekend was David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet.
“While it’s easy to understand on a case...
- 10/6/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Tenet.’
Exhibitors are anticipating a blockbuster opening this Thursday, even with caps on seating capacity, for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet after a sizable turnout for paid previews last weekend.
Warner Bros’ international spy thriller starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh played on more than 500 screens.
The distributor imposed a worldwide block on figures for the previews, which will be folded into the opening weekends in about 70 markets, but exhibitors’ feedback was highly positive.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Gm Alex Temesvari tells If: “We were extremely happy with the weekend business, which met my high expectations. The Orpheum had its best trading weekend since reopening by a wide margin.”
The audience at his venue, which is operating at about 30 per cent capacity, spanned a wide demographic, from teenagers to seniors.
“We have extremely high hopes for Tenet’s release this Thursday and expect a...
Exhibitors are anticipating a blockbuster opening this Thursday, even with caps on seating capacity, for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet after a sizable turnout for paid previews last weekend.
Warner Bros’ international spy thriller starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh played on more than 500 screens.
The distributor imposed a worldwide block on figures for the previews, which will be folded into the opening weekends in about 70 markets, but exhibitors’ feedback was highly positive.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Gm Alex Temesvari tells If: “We were extremely happy with the weekend business, which met my high expectations. The Orpheum had its best trading weekend since reopening by a wide margin.”
The audience at his venue, which is operating at about 30 per cent capacity, spanned a wide demographic, from teenagers to seniors.
“We have extremely high hopes for Tenet’s release this Thursday and expect a...
- 8/24/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Damian Keogh.
With the Russell Crowe road rage thriller Unhinged opening in cinemas tomorrow and Warner Bros. dating Christopher Nolan’s Tenet for August 27, exhibitors can look forward to an uptick in business after cinema closures and bleak trading.
Hoyts Group CEO Damian Keogh is confident the business will rebound strongly once there is a steady flow of new releases. Ticket sales at Hoyts’ Carousel location in suburban Perth indicate older patrons feel safe going back to cinemas, he says.
Released by Studiocanal and directed by Derrick Borte, Unhinged follows Caren Pistorius as a hapless young woman who becomes the target of Crowe’s character’s rage after an incident at an intersection.
“Russell Crowe is quite scary,” says Keogh. “Unhinged will have limited mainstream appeal but will be the No. 1 movie for a few weeks and could have done better if the slate were crowded.”
What has been your...
With the Russell Crowe road rage thriller Unhinged opening in cinemas tomorrow and Warner Bros. dating Christopher Nolan’s Tenet for August 27, exhibitors can look forward to an uptick in business after cinema closures and bleak trading.
Hoyts Group CEO Damian Keogh is confident the business will rebound strongly once there is a steady flow of new releases. Ticket sales at Hoyts’ Carousel location in suburban Perth indicate older patrons feel safe going back to cinemas, he says.
Released by Studiocanal and directed by Derrick Borte, Unhinged follows Caren Pistorius as a hapless young woman who becomes the target of Crowe’s character’s rage after an incident at an intersection.
“Russell Crowe is quite scary,” says Keogh. “Unhinged will have limited mainstream appeal but will be the No. 1 movie for a few weeks and could have done better if the slate were crowded.”
What has been your...
- 7/29/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
BBC One’s adaptation of Vikram Seth’s best-selling novel A Suitable Boy is heading to Netflix outside of the U.S., Canada and China, distributor BBC Studios has announced.
The streamer has also clinched the Lookout Point drama for subscribers in UK and Ireland after its 12-month iPlayer window has expired following its broadcast on BBC One. Lookout Point-owner BBC Studios is currently in talks with a U.S. partner, though no deal has yet been signed.
A Suitable Boy is adapted by Les Misérables and War & Peace writer Andrew Davies and the director is Mira Nair, the Golden Globe-nominated Monsoon Wedding helmer. It stars Bollywood leading man Ishaan Khatter, Indian screen star Tabu and rising actress Tanya Maniktala in the central role of Lata.
The six-part series tells the story of spirited university student, Lata, coming of age in North India in 1951 at the same time as...
The streamer has also clinched the Lookout Point drama for subscribers in UK and Ireland after its 12-month iPlayer window has expired following its broadcast on BBC One. Lookout Point-owner BBC Studios is currently in talks with a U.S. partner, though no deal has yet been signed.
A Suitable Boy is adapted by Les Misérables and War & Peace writer Andrew Davies and the director is Mira Nair, the Golden Globe-nominated Monsoon Wedding helmer. It stars Bollywood leading man Ishaan Khatter, Indian screen star Tabu and rising actress Tanya Maniktala in the central role of Lata.
The six-part series tells the story of spirited university student, Lata, coming of age in North India in 1951 at the same time as...
- 7/16/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Brock: Over the Top.’
Kriv Stenders’ feature documentary on motor racing legend Peter Brock, Brock: Over the Top will start to roll out in cinemas on Thursday before its Premium VOD release on July 3.
The movie produced by WildBear Entertainment’s Veronica Fury and other PVOD releases such as Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones and Alexs Stadermann’s animated feature 100% Wolf are benefiting from the willingness of some independent cinemas to screen films just before or while they are available on home entertainment.
This is a boon for the VOD platforms recently launched by Dendy Cinemas, the Ritz Cinema in Sydney and Melbourne’s Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas and the Golden Age Cinema.
However the usual 90-day theatrical window is expected to be reinstated when cinemas around the country are back in business, except for alternate content releases such as musical concerts and National Theatre Live.
Bonsai Films’ Jonathan Page,...
Kriv Stenders’ feature documentary on motor racing legend Peter Brock, Brock: Over the Top will start to roll out in cinemas on Thursday before its Premium VOD release on July 3.
The movie produced by WildBear Entertainment’s Veronica Fury and other PVOD releases such as Ben Lawrence’s Hearts and Bones and Alexs Stadermann’s animated feature 100% Wolf are benefiting from the willingness of some independent cinemas to screen films just before or while they are available on home entertainment.
This is a boon for the VOD platforms recently launched by Dendy Cinemas, the Ritz Cinema in Sydney and Melbourne’s Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas and the Golden Age Cinema.
However the usual 90-day theatrical window is expected to be reinstated when cinemas around the country are back in business, except for alternate content releases such as musical concerts and National Theatre Live.
Bonsai Films’ Jonathan Page,...
- 6/15/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Cinema Nova.
Melbourne’s Cinema Nova, the Eddie Tamir family-owned cinemas and Village Cinemas’ Coburg drive-in will re-open next month – but indications are that most cinemas in other states are unlikely to turn on the lights until July.
Palace Cinemas will open its doors nationally on July 2, with most locations limited to three sessions a day to allow time for extra cleaning.
Among the titles it will screen are Universal’s The King of Staten Island and The High Note and Sony’s The Burnt Orange Heresy.
Cinema Nova and the Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas will resume trading on June 22 when the Victorian government will allow gatherings of up to 50 people.
“We will be very pleased to welcome our audience back. Nothing replaces seeing films made for theatrical release than screening in the cinema on the big screen,” Cinema Nova joint executive director Natalie Miller tells If.
“We will...
Melbourne’s Cinema Nova, the Eddie Tamir family-owned cinemas and Village Cinemas’ Coburg drive-in will re-open next month – but indications are that most cinemas in other states are unlikely to turn on the lights until July.
Palace Cinemas will open its doors nationally on July 2, with most locations limited to three sessions a day to allow time for extra cleaning.
Among the titles it will screen are Universal’s The King of Staten Island and The High Note and Sony’s The Burnt Orange Heresy.
Cinema Nova and the Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas will resume trading on June 22 when the Victorian government will allow gatherings of up to 50 people.
“We will be very pleased to welcome our audience back. Nothing replaces seeing films made for theatrical release than screening in the cinema on the big screen,” Cinema Nova joint executive director Natalie Miller tells If.
“We will...
- 5/26/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Australian actors, producers, writers, directors and crew members have slammed the Federal Government’s decision to deny access to the JobKeeper wage subsidy to freelancers and other casual workers.
Meanwhile already stressed exhibitors are worried about having to cash flow payments to workers until they are reimbursed by the government, so some of their staff will miss out and have to claim the JobSeeker payment.
The legislation was passed by the Senate late last night after amendments by Labour and the Greens to provide a support package for the arts and entertainment sector, most of whose workers are ineligible, were defeated.
The Meaa said tens of thousands of freelance and casual performers and crew – and many of their employers – will not get the $1,500 per fortnight wage subsidy.
“Freelance employees and many loyal casuals will – without urgent changes to the JobKeeper rules, be at least $200 a week worse off. For those...
Meanwhile already stressed exhibitors are worried about having to cash flow payments to workers until they are reimbursed by the government, so some of their staff will miss out and have to claim the JobSeeker payment.
The legislation was passed by the Senate late last night after amendments by Labour and the Greens to provide a support package for the arts and entertainment sector, most of whose workers are ineligible, were defeated.
The Meaa said tens of thousands of freelance and casual performers and crew – and many of their employers – will not get the $1,500 per fortnight wage subsidy.
“Freelance employees and many loyal casuals will – without urgent changes to the JobKeeper rules, be at least $200 a week worse off. For those...
- 4/9/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Village Roadshow co-chief executive, Graham Burke.
.
Australia's peak body for the promotion of copyright, creative rights and piracy research has been rebranded as Creative Content Australia..
Formerly the IP Awareness Foundation, the organisation has also bolstered its membership with some key appointments.
Village Roadshow co-chief executive, Graham Burke, has been a appointed as chair, while new directors include Hoyts chief executive, Damian Keogh and Walt Disney Studios, Gm-Studios, Jo Bladen..
Burke said The IP Awareness Foundation had contributed significantly to the understanding of copyright and its role in our society..
"The research finds that Australians say they are now much more aware that the industry is increasingly making more movies and TV shows available in a timely and affordable way, and I.m looking forward to seeing Creative Content Australia produce new consumer campaigns to highlight the benefits of accessing content legally, as opposed to the great damage caused to our creative industry by piracy,...
.
Australia's peak body for the promotion of copyright, creative rights and piracy research has been rebranded as Creative Content Australia..
Formerly the IP Awareness Foundation, the organisation has also bolstered its membership with some key appointments.
Village Roadshow co-chief executive, Graham Burke, has been a appointed as chair, while new directors include Hoyts chief executive, Damian Keogh and Walt Disney Studios, Gm-Studios, Jo Bladen..
Burke said The IP Awareness Foundation had contributed significantly to the understanding of copyright and its role in our society..
"The research finds that Australians say they are now much more aware that the industry is increasingly making more movies and TV shows available in a timely and affordable way, and I.m looking forward to seeing Creative Content Australia produce new consumer campaigns to highlight the benefits of accessing content legally, as opposed to the great damage caused to our creative industry by piracy,...
- 3/8/2016
- by Brian Karlovsky
- IF.com.au
Hoyts have stuck a deal to build a new cinema complex as part of a proposed multi-million dollar entertainment precinct in Docklands, Melbourne..
The developers of Waterfront City Melbourne, Ashe Morgan, have signed Hoyts as its anchor tenant in the proposed precinct.
The new cinema complex is a component of Waterfront City Melbourne.s major redevelopment that.s already underway to reposition the centre as a shopping and entertainment drawcard located on the fringe of Melbourne.s Cbd.
Hoyts plan to have eight screens with state of the art Dolby Atmos sound. Two of the screens will be Xtremescreens..
Every seat in every cinema will feature Hoyts' new powered recliners.
There will also be an expanded food and beverage offering, including a selection of hot foods and licensed beverages to consume during the movie.
Hoyts chief executive, Damian Keogh, said enhancing the customer experience would ensure that the cinema remained...
The developers of Waterfront City Melbourne, Ashe Morgan, have signed Hoyts as its anchor tenant in the proposed precinct.
The new cinema complex is a component of Waterfront City Melbourne.s major redevelopment that.s already underway to reposition the centre as a shopping and entertainment drawcard located on the fringe of Melbourne.s Cbd.
Hoyts plan to have eight screens with state of the art Dolby Atmos sound. Two of the screens will be Xtremescreens..
Every seat in every cinema will feature Hoyts' new powered recliners.
There will also be an expanded food and beverage offering, including a selection of hot foods and licensed beverages to consume during the movie.
Hoyts chief executive, Damian Keogh, said enhancing the customer experience would ensure that the cinema remained...
- 11/13/2015
- by Brian Karlovsky
- IF.com.au
Less than six months after Hoyts was bought by Chinese billionaire Sun Xishuang's ID Leisure Ventures, the cinema company is changing hands again.
China.s Wanda Cinema Line Corp, a unit of China's leading property developer Dalian Wanda Group, is buying Hoyts as part of its ambitions to become a global entertainment company.
The price wasn.t disclosed but Variety speculated Wanda is paying about Us$750 million (A$900 million) for the 450-screen chain, Val Morgan and Hoyts Kiosk, which is similar to what ID Leisure Ventures reportedly forked out.
The transaction isn.t a big surprise because Wanda looked at buying Hoyts last year when it was put on the sales block by private equity group Pacific Equity Partners.
Pep bought Hoyts in 2007 from West Australian Newspapers and Publishing and Broadcasting Limited for about $440 million.
Also, Sun Xishuang is a major shareholder in Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties Co. and is...
China.s Wanda Cinema Line Corp, a unit of China's leading property developer Dalian Wanda Group, is buying Hoyts as part of its ambitions to become a global entertainment company.
The price wasn.t disclosed but Variety speculated Wanda is paying about Us$750 million (A$900 million) for the 450-screen chain, Val Morgan and Hoyts Kiosk, which is similar to what ID Leisure Ventures reportedly forked out.
The transaction isn.t a big surprise because Wanda looked at buying Hoyts last year when it was put on the sales block by private equity group Pacific Equity Partners.
Pep bought Hoyts in 2007 from West Australian Newspapers and Publishing and Broadcasting Limited for about $440 million.
Also, Sun Xishuang is a major shareholder in Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties Co. and is...
- 6/3/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Now under new owners, Hoyts Corp. plans to expand its circuit of premium screens and to introduce a new brand which will be pitched between a standard and top-of-the-range cinema.
Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh tells If the company will add at least six premium cinemas, branded Lux, in Australia and New Zealand this year.
He likened the new mid-range cinemas to the premium economy section of an aircraft, with reclining seats and more legroom than standard seats, but without the in-cinema dining component of the premium cinemas.
ID Leisure Ventures, a company controlled by Chinese billionaire Sun Xishuang, bought the Hoyts group from Pacific Equity Partners for a rumoured $900 million just before Christmas.
Pep had acquired Hoyts in 2007 from West Australian Newspapers and Publishing and Broadcasting Limited for about $440 million.
David Kirk has stepped down as chairman of the Hoyts group as his position has been abolished. A new local board is being assembled.
Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh tells If the company will add at least six premium cinemas, branded Lux, in Australia and New Zealand this year.
He likened the new mid-range cinemas to the premium economy section of an aircraft, with reclining seats and more legroom than standard seats, but without the in-cinema dining component of the premium cinemas.
ID Leisure Ventures, a company controlled by Chinese billionaire Sun Xishuang, bought the Hoyts group from Pacific Equity Partners for a rumoured $900 million just before Christmas.
Pep had acquired Hoyts in 2007 from West Australian Newspapers and Publishing and Broadcasting Limited for about $440 million.
David Kirk has stepped down as chairman of the Hoyts group as his position has been abolished. A new local board is being assembled.
- 1/18/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Hoyts Cinemas is upgrading its premium cinemas in Australia and New Zealand to compete with Event Cinemas' and Village Cinemas' Gold Class locations. Branded Hoyts Lux, the initiative begins on Friday at Hoyts Broadway, with three screens each with 31 reclining seats, a bar and in-cinema waiter service of food and liquor.. Patrons will also receive complimentary popcorn and soft drinks on arrival. Until now Hoyts' premium offering consisted of La Premiere -rows of seats at the back of auditoria- and Directors Suite bars. The upgrade announcement follows news that Hoyts. owners Pacific Equity Partners have postponed until next year an Ipo which would have raised up to $900 million. Among other refurbishments due to come on stream in the next month, Hoyts Entertainment Quarter and Sylvia Park in New Zealand will get two Lux screens. A bean bag cinema at Melbourne Central and a conventional screen at Victoria Gardens are being converted to Lux.
- 11/12/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
One of Hoyts. longest serving executives, Frank Perikleous, director of programming for Australia and New Zealand, is leaving the company on Friday.
The highly-regarded Perikleous has worked for Hoyts for 24 years, through multiple ownership structures and management teams.
Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh tells If that Perikleous. departure is part of a .further restructuring. of the Hoyts Group. That has entailed about 20 redundancies including chief operating officer Matthew Liebmann,. chief marketing and digital officer Crispin Tristram and general manager - digital content Linda Hickey, and the shelving of the VOD service Hoyts Stream.
Pacific Equity Partners, which controls the funds that own Hoyts, is planning an Ipo later this year, aiming to raise about $700 million.
Keogh declined to say who will run programming, indicating that will be announced in a few weeks.
Perikleous began his career at Hoyts Warrawong in 1990 and became manager of that location in 1996. He was appointed regional...
The highly-regarded Perikleous has worked for Hoyts for 24 years, through multiple ownership structures and management teams.
Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh tells If that Perikleous. departure is part of a .further restructuring. of the Hoyts Group. That has entailed about 20 redundancies including chief operating officer Matthew Liebmann,. chief marketing and digital officer Crispin Tristram and general manager - digital content Linda Hickey, and the shelving of the VOD service Hoyts Stream.
Pacific Equity Partners, which controls the funds that own Hoyts, is planning an Ipo later this year, aiming to raise about $700 million.
Keogh declined to say who will run programming, indicating that will be announced in a few weeks.
Perikleous began his career at Hoyts Warrawong in 1990 and became manager of that location in 1996. He was appointed regional...
- 7/28/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Crispin Tristram, chief marketing and digital officer of Hoyts, will leave the company following the decision to shelve the Video-on-Demand service which he had been developing for more than two years.
Hoyts Stream, was originally due to launch in the first quarter of 2013, would have offered new release films to rent or buy, concurrent with the DVD window, plus library product and TV content.
The launch was postponed several times, mostly due to technological issues, but the project has now been put on ice, despite a deal with digital delivery service provider Viocorp to run the VoD platform.
When Damian Keogh was named CEO of the Hoyts Group in February, succeeding Delfin Fernandez who retired after nearly nine years in the post, he said Hoyts Stream would start in the coming months, describing it "as a natural extension of our kiosk business."
But Keogh today told If the service will not launch this calendar year.
Hoyts Stream, was originally due to launch in the first quarter of 2013, would have offered new release films to rent or buy, concurrent with the DVD window, plus library product and TV content.
The launch was postponed several times, mostly due to technological issues, but the project has now been put on ice, despite a deal with digital delivery service provider Viocorp to run the VoD platform.
When Damian Keogh was named CEO of the Hoyts Group in February, succeeding Delfin Fernandez who retired after nearly nine years in the post, he said Hoyts Stream would start in the coming months, describing it "as a natural extension of our kiosk business."
But Keogh today told If the service will not launch this calendar year.
- 6/23/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Dendy Cinemas will launch its Video-on-Demand service in July, initially providing about 1,000 films to rent or buy online.
Dendy Direct will also offer Us and Australian TV series one day after their broadcast airing, just as iTunes does.
The movies will be a mix of titles from the Us majors and independents. Kate Stapleton, Dendy.s head of digital, isn.t ready to reveal the suppliers but says, .They will be quality films that appeal to the Dendy audience. Our customers have broad tastes..
The service, which was originally targeted to debut in April, is in the .user acceptance. testing phase. Stapleton hopes to set the launch date within a couple of weeks.
The pricing will be similar to that of iTunes, Google Play and other VoD platforms. Dendy Direct will go out before Hoyts Stream, which is in its testing phase. Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh tells If he has...
Dendy Direct will also offer Us and Australian TV series one day after their broadcast airing, just as iTunes does.
The movies will be a mix of titles from the Us majors and independents. Kate Stapleton, Dendy.s head of digital, isn.t ready to reveal the suppliers but says, .They will be quality films that appeal to the Dendy audience. Our customers have broad tastes..
The service, which was originally targeted to debut in April, is in the .user acceptance. testing phase. Stapleton hopes to set the launch date within a couple of weeks.
The pricing will be similar to that of iTunes, Google Play and other VoD platforms. Dendy Direct will go out before Hoyts Stream, which is in its testing phase. Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh tells If he has...
- 5/22/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
A host of UK indies are in China for a China-uk TV summit
A trade mission comprising 22 UK TV indies and Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham is in China for the first ever China-uk TV summit.
UK companies including Shed Media, Zigzag, All3Media, Argonon and Arrow Media will meet with more than 100 Chinese delegates.
The mission includes meetings, presentations and pitches and today’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pact and China Central Television, aimed at fostering collaborations on commissions, co-productions and acquisitions.
The MoU will be witnessed by senior Chinese government officials and UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP.
The TV summit follows the first ever China-uk film summit, which took place last week, and precedes a reciprocal UK-China film and TV summit in the UK in September.
Pact chief executive John McVay said of this week’s event: “This landmark television summit...
A trade mission comprising 22 UK TV indies and Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham is in China for the first ever China-uk TV summit.
UK companies including Shed Media, Zigzag, All3Media, Argonon and Arrow Media will meet with more than 100 Chinese delegates.
The mission includes meetings, presentations and pitches and today’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pact and China Central Television, aimed at fostering collaborations on commissions, co-productions and acquisitions.
The MoU will be witnessed by senior Chinese government officials and UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP.
The TV summit follows the first ever China-uk film summit, which took place last week, and precedes a reciprocal UK-China film and TV summit in the UK in September.
Pact chief executive John McVay said of this week’s event: “This landmark television summit...
- 4/23/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Around a dozen people have been made redundant from Hoyts Corp. as the company contemplates an Ipo late this year.
Among the casualties is Linda Hickey, who as general manager - digital content for the past three and a half years had run the cinema chain.s alternate content strand.
Interviewed by If on Monday, CEO Damian Keogh alluded to several changes as the company .flattens. its management structure.
The highest-profile departure is chief operating officer Matthew Liebmann, whose position has been eliminated.
Karli Amber Smith left two weeks ago after more than four years as Hoyts marketing and communications director.
The Australian has reported that the private equity funds that own Hoyts are looking at floating the company on the Australian Stock Exchange, which could raise up to $700 million.
Among the casualties is Linda Hickey, who as general manager - digital content for the past three and a half years had run the cinema chain.s alternate content strand.
Interviewed by If on Monday, CEO Damian Keogh alluded to several changes as the company .flattens. its management structure.
The highest-profile departure is chief operating officer Matthew Liebmann, whose position has been eliminated.
Karli Amber Smith left two weeks ago after more than four years as Hoyts marketing and communications director.
The Australian has reported that the private equity funds that own Hoyts are looking at floating the company on the Australian Stock Exchange, which could raise up to $700 million.
- 3/14/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Chief operating officer Matthew Liebmann is departing the Hoyts Group on Friday amid a head office restructure.
The COO role is being eliminated as part of a .flattening. of the management structure, according to Damian Keogh, who was appointed CEO last month.
Keogh thanked Liebmann for his dedication and service over the past six years, particularly in the development of the corporate sales department, Hoyts Rewards loyalty program, introducing people, culture and performance practices for the cinema team and assisting in the development of the Metro by Hoyts cinema in New Zealand.
In a statement to industry colleagues, Keogh said, .Matthew intends to explore opportunities in entertainment, retail and media, drawing also upon his experience as a senior entertainment and media consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers and a retail consultant with Wsl Strategic Retail in New York City. He will remain a board member of Screen Australia."
The highly regarded Liebmann joined...
The COO role is being eliminated as part of a .flattening. of the management structure, according to Damian Keogh, who was appointed CEO last month.
Keogh thanked Liebmann for his dedication and service over the past six years, particularly in the development of the corporate sales department, Hoyts Rewards loyalty program, introducing people, culture and performance practices for the cinema team and assisting in the development of the Metro by Hoyts cinema in New Zealand.
In a statement to industry colleagues, Keogh said, .Matthew intends to explore opportunities in entertainment, retail and media, drawing also upon his experience as a senior entertainment and media consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers and a retail consultant with Wsl Strategic Retail in New York City. He will remain a board member of Screen Australia."
The highly regarded Liebmann joined...
- 3/9/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Damian Keogh has been appointed CEO of the Hoyts Group, succeeding Delfin Fernandez who is retiring after nearly nine years in the post.
Keogh has been CEO of the Hoyts-owned cinema advertising firm Val Morgan since July 2011; before that he was national sales director of the Multi Channel Network for seven years.
The change is effective immediately but Fernandez will remain until March 31 to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to serve on the Hoyts Group board.
"I have worked closely with Delfin and have learned a lot from him," Keogh tells If. He will retain his role as CEO of Val Morgan but says there will be a slight restructuring of the division's management.
Keogh says one of his aims is to improve the food and beverage offerings for Hoyts patrons, which implies its premium Hoyts Premiere service may become more competitive with Event Cinemas' and Village Cinemas'. Gold Class.
Keogh has been CEO of the Hoyts-owned cinema advertising firm Val Morgan since July 2011; before that he was national sales director of the Multi Channel Network for seven years.
The change is effective immediately but Fernandez will remain until March 31 to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to serve on the Hoyts Group board.
"I have worked closely with Delfin and have learned a lot from him," Keogh tells If. He will retain his role as CEO of Val Morgan but says there will be a slight restructuring of the division's management.
Keogh says one of his aims is to improve the food and beverage offerings for Hoyts patrons, which implies its premium Hoyts Premiere service may become more competitive with Event Cinemas' and Village Cinemas'. Gold Class.
- 2/10/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Media analyst Steve Allen has forecast a tough 2013 advertising market, and despite an overall prediction of 3.4% growth says the market “may not have pneumonia, but it still has severe flu”.
The head of Fusion Strategy has published his predictions in a report titled “Oh dear, things just won’t get better. And most likely, not for a long time.”
He predicted that the relatively downbeat outlook would remain for two to three years – with newspapers suffering the most as circulation dwindles.
The 2013 Fusion Strategy outlook table for ad spend predicts for 2013:
Newspapers: down 4% to $2.45bn TV: up 2.5% $3.89bn Radio: up 2% to $1bn Magazines: up 3% to $975m Outdoor: up 3% t0 $520m Cinema: up 12.2% to $110m Pay TV: up 4.6% to $455m Internet: up 10.1% to $3.7bn
The overall average is 3.4% growth to $13.2bn.
“But this is coming off a low base and follows two years of dastardly figures,” Allen said.
Allen said...
The head of Fusion Strategy has published his predictions in a report titled “Oh dear, things just won’t get better. And most likely, not for a long time.”
He predicted that the relatively downbeat outlook would remain for two to three years – with newspapers suffering the most as circulation dwindles.
The 2013 Fusion Strategy outlook table for ad spend predicts for 2013:
Newspapers: down 4% to $2.45bn TV: up 2.5% $3.89bn Radio: up 2% to $1bn Magazines: up 3% to $975m Outdoor: up 3% t0 $520m Cinema: up 12.2% to $110m Pay TV: up 4.6% to $455m Internet: up 10.1% to $3.7bn
The overall average is 3.4% growth to $13.2bn.
“But this is coming off a low base and follows two years of dastardly figures,” Allen said.
Allen said...
- 1/16/2013
- by Marcus Casey
- Encore Magazine
Outdoor media owner Val Morgan has expanded its digital offering.
The company has acquired 1,000 screens in 110 premium petrol stations through the acquisition of PumpTV, and has consolidated its outdoor properties under the new brand, Val Morgan Outdoor.
Val Morgan CEO, Damian Keogh said: “In 2013 we are undertaking significant capital investment to expand our digital out of home footprint. We see real growth potential for our latest acquisition PumpTV, and have just secured rights across all Woolworth’s petro convenience locations in Australia.”
“We are investing to double the current PumpTV footprint are also extending our retail shopping network, Val Morgan Retail Media, into an additional 50 shopping centres, adding another 125 large screens,” he said.
Val Morgan Outdoor MD Anthony Deeble added: “This investment and expansion will see the Val Morgan Outdoor digital network grow to over 3,000 digital screens in more than 600 national retail locations, impacting a cumulative audience of 70 million consumers monthly,...
The company has acquired 1,000 screens in 110 premium petrol stations through the acquisition of PumpTV, and has consolidated its outdoor properties under the new brand, Val Morgan Outdoor.
Val Morgan CEO, Damian Keogh said: “In 2013 we are undertaking significant capital investment to expand our digital out of home footprint. We see real growth potential for our latest acquisition PumpTV, and have just secured rights across all Woolworth’s petro convenience locations in Australia.”
“We are investing to double the current PumpTV footprint are also extending our retail shopping network, Val Morgan Retail Media, into an additional 50 shopping centres, adding another 125 large screens,” he said.
Val Morgan Outdoor MD Anthony Deeble added: “This investment and expansion will see the Val Morgan Outdoor digital network grow to over 3,000 digital screens in more than 600 national retail locations, impacting a cumulative audience of 70 million consumers monthly,...
- 11/29/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Screen industry sales house Val Morgan has held its first upfronts event in a move to showcase cinema content in 2013. Val Morgan is also promoting its new measurement system CineTAM.
The announcement:
Val Morgan announce game changers at inaugural 2013 upfront presentation Val Morgan today conducted the first in a series of 2013 upfront presentations, announcing ground breaking changes for cinema advertisers and showcasing a selection of the exceptional cinema content ahead next year.
Val Morgan CEO, Damian Keogh said, “In 2013 cinema advertising is changing forever. The media industry has long recognized the power of cinema and we are now making cinema easier to plan, buy and measure.
Our message to the media industry is simple, add cinema to your 2013 screen strategy, along with TV and online video.”
A key strategic initiative for release next year is a new cinema rating system, CineTAM. Based on actual movie attendance data from 300,000 cinema loyalty club members,...
The announcement:
Val Morgan announce game changers at inaugural 2013 upfront presentation Val Morgan today conducted the first in a series of 2013 upfront presentations, announcing ground breaking changes for cinema advertisers and showcasing a selection of the exceptional cinema content ahead next year.
Val Morgan CEO, Damian Keogh said, “In 2013 cinema advertising is changing forever. The media industry has long recognized the power of cinema and we are now making cinema easier to plan, buy and measure.
Our message to the media industry is simple, add cinema to your 2013 screen strategy, along with TV and online video.”
A key strategic initiative for release next year is a new cinema rating system, CineTAM. Based on actual movie attendance data from 300,000 cinema loyalty club members,...
- 11/28/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Val Morgan return with the Australian Creative Excellence Showcase awarding cinema/Tvc based campaigns.
The announcement:
Val Morgan has announced the second Australian Creative Excellence Showcase (Aces) following on from the success of the first event held earlier this year.
Hot on the heels of the global Cannes Lions, the Aces recognise the best in local Australian creative audio visual campaigns. The winning creative will be awarded the prestigious Ace of Excellence and a cinema media schedule to the value of $25,000.
In announcing the call for entries, Val Morgan CEO Damian Keogh said, “More than ever before engaging creative is vital to the success of advertising campaigns. There is so much commercial clutter around today and technology is making it easier for consumers to avoid advertising. Great creative has cut through, gets noticed and engages audiences. The Aces is designed to recognize and reward great creative ideas and execution.”
Bwm...
The announcement:
Val Morgan has announced the second Australian Creative Excellence Showcase (Aces) following on from the success of the first event held earlier this year.
Hot on the heels of the global Cannes Lions, the Aces recognise the best in local Australian creative audio visual campaigns. The winning creative will be awarded the prestigious Ace of Excellence and a cinema media schedule to the value of $25,000.
In announcing the call for entries, Val Morgan CEO Damian Keogh said, “More than ever before engaging creative is vital to the success of advertising campaigns. There is so much commercial clutter around today and technology is making it easier for consumers to avoid advertising. Great creative has cut through, gets noticed and engages audiences. The Aces is designed to recognize and reward great creative ideas and execution.”
Bwm...
- 7/2/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Keogh lifts the cup for cinema
Cinema won through to be declared the medium to rule them all in Mumbrella360′s Battle of The Media last night.
The final saw Val Morgan CEO Damian Keogh go head-to-head with Jc Decaux CEO Steve O’Connor before the audience had their say on the winner.
The contest was the second outing for Battle of the Media, after News Limited’s Campbell Reid won it for newspapers at last year’s Mumbrella360.
Mumbrella has taken an early decision on arrangements for next year’s Battle of the Media voting. It will see the phone vote system replaced by push button voting limited to those who are in the room. The change comes as a result of unusual voting patterns in earlier rounds.
Cinema won through to be declared the medium to rule them all in Mumbrella360′s Battle of The Media last night.
The final saw Val Morgan CEO Damian Keogh go head-to-head with Jc Decaux CEO Steve O’Connor before the audience had their say on the winner.
The contest was the second outing for Battle of the Media, after News Limited’s Campbell Reid won it for newspapers at last year’s Mumbrella360.
Mumbrella has taken an early decision on arrangements for next year’s Battle of the Media voting. It will see the phone vote system replaced by push button voting limited to those who are in the room. The change comes as a result of unusual voting patterns in earlier rounds.
- 6/8/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
This year’s Mumbrella360 is now underway with just over 1000 media, marketing and entertainment professionals descending on the Hilton Hotel in Sydney over the next two days.
Th event will be one of the first to have its numbers audited by the Audit Bureaux of Australia so an official headcount will be available later, but Mumbrella calculated that as of 5pm on Tuesday, 1030 people were expected. Tickets are no longer available online, but are still on sale on the door of the venue.
The event sees around 60 sessions taking place across five streams.
Battle of the Media will be fought again with former Phd CEO Barry O’Brien, former Starcom MD Bob Goodge and Virgin Mobile marketing director David Scribner making up the coaching panel.
Doing battle:
Paul Murray, presenter, 2Ue (radio); Dylan Taylor, managing partner, Bmf (direct mail); Paul Fisher, CEO, Iab Australia (online); Damian Keogh, CEO, Val Morgan (cinema) Brian Hogan,...
Th event will be one of the first to have its numbers audited by the Audit Bureaux of Australia so an official headcount will be available later, but Mumbrella calculated that as of 5pm on Tuesday, 1030 people were expected. Tickets are no longer available online, but are still on sale on the door of the venue.
The event sees around 60 sessions taking place across five streams.
Battle of the Media will be fought again with former Phd CEO Barry O’Brien, former Starcom MD Bob Goodge and Virgin Mobile marketing director David Scribner making up the coaching panel.
Doing battle:
Paul Murray, presenter, 2Ue (radio); Dylan Taylor, managing partner, Bmf (direct mail); Paul Fisher, CEO, Iab Australia (online); Damian Keogh, CEO, Val Morgan (cinema) Brian Hogan,...
- 6/5/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
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