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Nordic streamer Viaplay and Amazon’s ad-supported service Freevee have scored online rights to the Australian crime drama Troppo from German group Leonine Studios.
Viaplay picked up SVOD rights to the series, based on Candice Fox’s best-selling Crimson Lake novels, for the Nordics, the Netherlands, Poland and the Baltic region. Amazon Freevee scored AVOD rights for Germany and the U.K.
In Troppo, Thomas Jane plays Ted Conkaffey, a down-and-out ex-cop living in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, who is recruited by Amanda Pharell (Nicole Chamoun), an eccentric small town private investigator, to investigate the murder of a brilliant tech pioneer. Created and written by Yolanda Ramke (Cargo) and co-directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (Wakefield), Troppo premiered on Australian’s ABC and debuted in the U.S. on Freevee in May.
Radha Mitchell (Olympus Has Fallen), David Lyons (Eat Pray Love) and Yerin Ha (Halo) co-star.
Nordic streamer Viaplay and Amazon’s ad-supported service Freevee have scored online rights to the Australian crime drama Troppo from German group Leonine Studios.
Viaplay picked up SVOD rights to the series, based on Candice Fox’s best-selling Crimson Lake novels, for the Nordics, the Netherlands, Poland and the Baltic region. Amazon Freevee scored AVOD rights for Germany and the U.K.
In Troppo, Thomas Jane plays Ted Conkaffey, a down-and-out ex-cop living in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, who is recruited by Amanda Pharell (Nicole Chamoun), an eccentric small town private investigator, to investigate the murder of a brilliant tech pioneer. Created and written by Yolanda Ramke (Cargo) and co-directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (Wakefield), Troppo premiered on Australian’s ABC and debuted in the U.S. on Freevee in May.
Radha Mitchell (Olympus Has Fallen), David Lyons (Eat Pray Love) and Yerin Ha (Halo) co-star.
- 10/17/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Australian murder mystery series “Troppo” will premiere on Amazon Freevee May 20, as one of the first originals to launch on the newly renamed streaming platform.
Based on the novel “Crimson Lake” by Cameron Fox, “Troppo” stars Thomas Jane as Ted Conkaffey, an ex-cop accused of a crime that he didn’t commit. Hiding out in the Far North Queensland, he’s recruited by private investigator Amanda Pharrell (Nicole Chamoun) into helping her investigate a bizarre murder case and track down a missing person. In addition to Jane and Chamoun, the cast also includes David Lyons, Yerin Ha, Sun Park, Ling Cooper Tang, Kate Beahan, Cramer Cain, Peta Wilson, Angela Punch McGregor, Damien Garvey, Josh Helman and Radha Mitchell.
“Troppo” initially premiered in Australia this past February on ABC TV. News of it being picked up for a U.S. release on IMDb TV was announced last August. “Troppo” will...
Based on the novel “Crimson Lake” by Cameron Fox, “Troppo” stars Thomas Jane as Ted Conkaffey, an ex-cop accused of a crime that he didn’t commit. Hiding out in the Far North Queensland, he’s recruited by private investigator Amanda Pharrell (Nicole Chamoun) into helping her investigate a bizarre murder case and track down a missing person. In addition to Jane and Chamoun, the cast also includes David Lyons, Yerin Ha, Sun Park, Ling Cooper Tang, Kate Beahan, Cramer Cain, Peta Wilson, Angela Punch McGregor, Damien Garvey, Josh Helman and Radha Mitchell.
“Troppo” initially premiered in Australia this past February on ABC TV. News of it being picked up for a U.S. release on IMDb TV was announced last August. “Troppo” will...
- 4/14/2022
- by Carson Burton and Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
When George Miller announced in April that he would be filming the long-awaited prequel of Mad Max: Fury Road in New South Wales, state treasurer Dominic Perrottet claimed there was “no better place to make an international blockbuster”.
Nearly four months later and Perrottet, along with the rest of the Nsw government, is overseeing the seventh week of a lockdown in a state responsible for almost half of the total production expenditure across feature films, TV, and online drama in Australia.
While the Sydney outbreak is yet to shut down sets, the rise of cases has raised questions about certain Covid policies and how they relate to the industry.
The news last week that HBO Films had decided not to proceed with Day of Abandonment following the last-minute departure of Natalie Portman was accompanied by reports producers had struggled to find a replacement willing to commit and spent two weeks quarantine upon entry into Australia.
Nearly four months later and Perrottet, along with the rest of the Nsw government, is overseeing the seventh week of a lockdown in a state responsible for almost half of the total production expenditure across feature films, TV, and online drama in Australia.
While the Sydney outbreak is yet to shut down sets, the rise of cases has raised questions about certain Covid policies and how they relate to the industry.
The news last week that HBO Films had decided not to proceed with Day of Abandonment following the last-minute departure of Natalie Portman was accompanied by reports producers had struggled to find a replacement willing to commit and spent two weeks quarantine upon entry into Australia.
- 8/12/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Nicole Chamoun will star opposite US actor Thomas Jane in ABC crime drama Troppo, with cameras now rolling in Queensland.
Produced by Beyond Entertainment and Eq Media Group in association with Jane’s production company Renegade Entertainment, the Fnq-set series is created by Yolanda Ramke and based on the novel Crimson Lake by Candice Fox.
Chamoun, best known for her roles in On The Ropes, The Gloaming, Safe Harbour and Romper Stomper, plays Amanda Pharrell, an eccentric Pi with a disturbing criminal past. She begrudgingly recruits disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane) to investigate the murder of a brilliant research scientist.
As they battle to uncover the truth, and the tightly held secrets of Crimson Lake, their own traumatic pasts are dragged painfully into the present – tearing them apart, as each of them faces their own fight for sanity and survival.
The supporting cast includes David Lyons, Sun Park, Simon Lyndon,...
Produced by Beyond Entertainment and Eq Media Group in association with Jane’s production company Renegade Entertainment, the Fnq-set series is created by Yolanda Ramke and based on the novel Crimson Lake by Candice Fox.
Chamoun, best known for her roles in On The Ropes, The Gloaming, Safe Harbour and Romper Stomper, plays Amanda Pharrell, an eccentric Pi with a disturbing criminal past. She begrudgingly recruits disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane) to investigate the murder of a brilliant research scientist.
As they battle to uncover the truth, and the tightly held secrets of Crimson Lake, their own traumatic pasts are dragged painfully into the present – tearing them apart, as each of them faces their own fight for sanity and survival.
The supporting cast includes David Lyons, Sun Park, Simon Lyndon,...
- 8/12/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
IMDb TV has picked up the first season of Australian drama series Troppo, based on Candice Fox’s bestselling novel Crimson Lake, starring and executive produced by Thomas Jane (The Expanse The Vanished) via his Renegade Entertainment. The upcoming series comes from Eq Media Group, Beyond Entertainment and AGC Television, the television production and distribution division of Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios. Production is currently underway in Australia.
Adapted for television by Yolanda Ramke, Troppo is the story of Ted Conkaffey (Jane), an ex-cop falsely accused of committing a disturbing crime, who has escaped to hide away in the tropics of Far North Queensland. As he tries to avoid discovery, he’s drawn into investigating a wild murder and a missing person, alongside a complicated woman, with dark secrets of her own.
Troppo is based on Fox’s book Crimson Lake, the first novel of a gripping contemporary crime series set in Queensland,...
Adapted for television by Yolanda Ramke, Troppo is the story of Ted Conkaffey (Jane), an ex-cop falsely accused of committing a disturbing crime, who has escaped to hide away in the tropics of Far North Queensland. As he tries to avoid discovery, he’s drawn into investigating a wild murder and a missing person, alongside a complicated woman, with dark secrets of her own.
Troppo is based on Fox’s book Crimson Lake, the first novel of a gripping contemporary crime series set in Queensland,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Prolific television producer Jesse Fawcett (“Big Timber”) has launched new outfit Fireworks Media Group with several production deals.
The company is producing new original series “Pamela Anderson’s Home Reno Project” (working title) for HGTV Canada, with “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson returning to her Canadian roots to rebuild the family home of her dreams. The series is executive produced by Brandon Lee, Fawcett and Fireworks’ president of Canada, Robert Hardy. Corus Studios will distribute the series internationally.
Fireworks Media Group has also secured an exclusive first-look scripted development deal with TikTok star Kris Collins, who has over 32 million followers and 1.4 billion likes on social media.
In addition, Fireworks is currently in production on second seasons of the real estate unscripted series “Selling the Big Easy” for HGTV in the U.S. as well as Corus Studios’ “Big Timber,” which revolves around logger and sawmill owner Kevin Wenstob and airs on...
The company is producing new original series “Pamela Anderson’s Home Reno Project” (working title) for HGTV Canada, with “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson returning to her Canadian roots to rebuild the family home of her dreams. The series is executive produced by Brandon Lee, Fawcett and Fireworks’ president of Canada, Robert Hardy. Corus Studios will distribute the series internationally.
Fireworks Media Group has also secured an exclusive first-look scripted development deal with TikTok star Kris Collins, who has over 32 million followers and 1.4 billion likes on social media.
In addition, Fireworks is currently in production on second seasons of the real estate unscripted series “Selling the Big Easy” for HGTV in the U.S. as well as Corus Studios’ “Big Timber,” which revolves around logger and sawmill owner Kevin Wenstob and airs on...
- 7/26/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
US star Thomas Jane has been announced as the lead for ABC crime series Troppo, due to shoot on the Gold Coast and Far North Queensland mid-year.
Based on Candice Fox’s bestselling novel Crimson Lake, the eight-part series centres on disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane), who is mismatched with eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell to help uncover the whereabouts of a missing Korean family man and tech pioneer.
As they begin to uncover a string of bizarre deaths, the unlikely duo is thrust into a mutual fight for survival and sanity in the wilds of Far North Queensland.
Produced by Eq Media and Beyond Entertainment, with AGC Television onboard as co-financier and co-producer, Troppo is created by Yolanda Ramke, with Jocelyn Moorhouse the set-up director.
The series producer is Karl Zwicky, with executive producers including Quail, Lisa Duff and Simonne Overend (Eq Media Group), Mikael Borglund and David Ogilvy...
Based on Candice Fox’s bestselling novel Crimson Lake, the eight-part series centres on disgraced ex-cop Ted Conkaffey (Jane), who is mismatched with eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell to help uncover the whereabouts of a missing Korean family man and tech pioneer.
As they begin to uncover a string of bizarre deaths, the unlikely duo is thrust into a mutual fight for survival and sanity in the wilds of Far North Queensland.
Produced by Eq Media and Beyond Entertainment, with AGC Television onboard as co-financier and co-producer, Troppo is created by Yolanda Ramke, with Jocelyn Moorhouse the set-up director.
The series producer is Karl Zwicky, with executive producers including Quail, Lisa Duff and Simonne Overend (Eq Media Group), Mikael Borglund and David Ogilvy...
- 4/22/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Adolf Hitler and his mistress/wife Eva Braun (Photo courtesy Getty Images).
Eq Media Group is putting the finishing touches to two factual series about Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany commissioned by A+E Networks’ channels in the UK and Europe.
Sbs also acquired Hitler’s Secret Sex Life and How the Nazis Lost the War, which international distributor Abacus Media Rights is pitching to buyers at the virtual MIPCOM.
Produced by Jacki Munro, the first, four-part series examines the rumours, theories and disputed historical accounts of the Nazi dictator’s sexual psychology, which ranged from incest and stalking women as a youth to masochism, sadism and murder.
Each episode contains archive material and interviews with historians, psychologists and sociologists.
The second, produced by Justin Holdforth, focusses on the poor decision-making, hubris and badly executed plans that belied the myth of the Nazi war machine and doomed them to failure.
Eq Media Group is putting the finishing touches to two factual series about Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany commissioned by A+E Networks’ channels in the UK and Europe.
Sbs also acquired Hitler’s Secret Sex Life and How the Nazis Lost the War, which international distributor Abacus Media Rights is pitching to buyers at the virtual MIPCOM.
Produced by Jacki Munro, the first, four-part series examines the rumours, theories and disputed historical accounts of the Nazi dictator’s sexual psychology, which ranged from incest and stalking women as a youth to masochism, sadism and murder.
Each episode contains archive material and interviews with historians, psychologists and sociologists.
The second, produced by Justin Holdforth, focusses on the poor decision-making, hubris and badly executed plans that belied the myth of the Nazi war machine and doomed them to failure.
- 10/13/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Eq Media Group has announced industry vets Kevin Joseph and Simon Fleming will head the company’s United States and New Zealand development, respectively.
“Kevin and Simon have impressive track records and we are lucky to have them in the company. Their skills and experience will help Eq Media continue the pattern of growth we are seeing in 2020,” said Eq Media CEO and executive producer Greg Quail.
In their new roles, Joseph and Fleming will manage and oversee the company’s development slates in the U.S. and New Zealand while contributing to the company’s overall global development slate.
The two new Eq Media Group heads have years’ worth of industry experience and titles under their belts.
Joseph joins Eq Media Group from Fulwell 73 Productions and Original Productions, where he served as a development executive. During his time at Fulwell, Joseph has helped launch titles fro CBS, Netflix,...
“Kevin and Simon have impressive track records and we are lucky to have them in the company. Their skills and experience will help Eq Media continue the pattern of growth we are seeing in 2020,” said Eq Media CEO and executive producer Greg Quail.
In their new roles, Joseph and Fleming will manage and oversee the company’s development slates in the U.S. and New Zealand while contributing to the company’s overall global development slate.
The two new Eq Media Group heads have years’ worth of industry experience and titles under their belts.
Joseph joins Eq Media Group from Fulwell 73 Productions and Original Productions, where he served as a development executive. During his time at Fulwell, Joseph has helped launch titles fro CBS, Netflix,...
- 9/1/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Lisa Duff.
Former Screen Australia senior investment development manager Lisa Duff has joined the Australian operation of the Eq Media Group.
Duff started today as head of production – scripted, working alongside VP scripted Michelle Hardy.
“I’m looking forward to being involved with the making of quality Australian drama and encouraging internationals to choose Australia as their production location of choice,” said Duff, who departed Screen Australia in June after more than five years with the agency.
Eq Media Group CEO Greg Quail and president Jesse Fawcett re-branded their trans-national production company Essential Media and Entertainment after buying the Essential companies in March from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
As If reported, Eq Media, Beyond Production, Renegade Entertainment and AGC Television are teaming up for Troppo, an Australian crime drama series which Yolanda Ramke (Cargo) adapted from Candice Fox’s novel Crimson Lake.
Thomas Jane (Amazon’s The Expanse) will...
Former Screen Australia senior investment development manager Lisa Duff has joined the Australian operation of the Eq Media Group.
Duff started today as head of production – scripted, working alongside VP scripted Michelle Hardy.
“I’m looking forward to being involved with the making of quality Australian drama and encouraging internationals to choose Australia as their production location of choice,” said Duff, who departed Screen Australia in June after more than five years with the agency.
Eq Media Group CEO Greg Quail and president Jesse Fawcett re-branded their trans-national production company Essential Media and Entertainment after buying the Essential companies in March from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
As If reported, Eq Media, Beyond Production, Renegade Entertainment and AGC Television are teaming up for Troppo, an Australian crime drama series which Yolanda Ramke (Cargo) adapted from Candice Fox’s novel Crimson Lake.
Thomas Jane (Amazon’s The Expanse) will...
- 8/31/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Greg Quail and Jesse Fawcett.
Greg Quail and Jesse Fawcett have re-branded their trans-national production company Essential Media and Entertainment as the Eq Media Group and are boosting their slate of unscripted and scripted content.
With development and production hubs in Los Angeles, Sydney, Dallas, Vancouver and Auckland, Eq Media Group has a core staff of 40, with a current run-of-show employee count of 70.
Quail and Fawcett bought the Essential companies in March from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
President and executive producer Fawcett said: “We have focused on staff retention and are proud to say we haven’t lost any employees. Our team’s focus on content development has now tripled our production slate with further North American show announcements in the pipeline.”
CEO and executive producer Quail said the name Eq was chosen to signify Emotional Quotient or Emotional Intelligence, the elements which they say drive the best storytelling.
Greg Quail and Jesse Fawcett have re-branded their trans-national production company Essential Media and Entertainment as the Eq Media Group and are boosting their slate of unscripted and scripted content.
With development and production hubs in Los Angeles, Sydney, Dallas, Vancouver and Auckland, Eq Media Group has a core staff of 40, with a current run-of-show employee count of 70.
Quail and Fawcett bought the Essential companies in March from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
President and executive producer Fawcett said: “We have focused on staff retention and are proud to say we haven’t lost any employees. Our team’s focus on content development has now tripled our production slate with further North American show announcements in the pipeline.”
CEO and executive producer Quail said the name Eq was chosen to signify Emotional Quotient or Emotional Intelligence, the elements which they say drive the best storytelling.
- 8/6/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
‘Outback Lockdown’.
When Essential Media’s Brendan Dahill heard British chef Calem O’Grady and his partner, Australian stunt woman and survival expert Ky Furneaux, were planning to self-isolate in the Outback, all three seized on the idea of an observational documentary.
Acting fast, Essential’s head of factual David Alrich and Dop Max Corkindale spent 22 days filming the couple who are living in an old stone hut on a 46,000-acre sheep farm in South Australia owned by Ky’s cousin.
They have to forage for food, including hunting ducks and goats for dinner, all served in Cordon Bleu style by O’Grady.
The result is Outback Lockdown, a 3 x 60′ series which will be sold worldwide by London-based Abacus Media Rights (Amr), which was launched last month by Jonathan Ford, the former executive VP of sales at Kew Media Distribution.
Essential’s Gm for Australia and New Zealand, Dahill hired...
When Essential Media’s Brendan Dahill heard British chef Calem O’Grady and his partner, Australian stunt woman and survival expert Ky Furneaux, were planning to self-isolate in the Outback, all three seized on the idea of an observational documentary.
Acting fast, Essential’s head of factual David Alrich and Dop Max Corkindale spent 22 days filming the couple who are living in an old stone hut on a 46,000-acre sheep farm in South Australia owned by Ky’s cousin.
They have to forage for food, including hunting ducks and goats for dinner, all served in Cordon Bleu style by O’Grady.
The result is Outback Lockdown, a 3 x 60′ series which will be sold worldwide by London-based Abacus Media Rights (Amr), which was launched last month by Jonathan Ford, the former executive VP of sales at Kew Media Distribution.
Essential’s Gm for Australia and New Zealand, Dahill hired...
- 5/20/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Mikael Borglund.
Beyond International has made a deal to acquire the UK-based factual distributor Tcb Media Rights from the receivers of the failed Kew Media Group.
Founded in 2012 by Paul Heaney, Tcb’s portfolio includes Cjz’s Go Back To Where You Came From, Media Stockade’s Debi Marshall Investigates: Frozen Lies and international docs Extreme Ice Machines, Hitler’s Supercars and Egypt’s Unexplained Mysteries.
Receivers Fti Consulting Canada have been looking for buyers of Kew Media’s assets since the Toronto-based media company collapsed in February.
Last month Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett purchased the Essential companies from the receivers.
Beyond said the acquisition would be funded by existing cash and debt facilities and completed through its Ireland-based subsidiary Beyond Entertainment Limited.
The price was not disclosed but Beyond told investors the sum is less than 10 per cent of its...
Beyond International has made a deal to acquire the UK-based factual distributor Tcb Media Rights from the receivers of the failed Kew Media Group.
Founded in 2012 by Paul Heaney, Tcb’s portfolio includes Cjz’s Go Back To Where You Came From, Media Stockade’s Debi Marshall Investigates: Frozen Lies and international docs Extreme Ice Machines, Hitler’s Supercars and Egypt’s Unexplained Mysteries.
Receivers Fti Consulting Canada have been looking for buyers of Kew Media’s assets since the Toronto-based media company collapsed in February.
Last month Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett purchased the Essential companies from the receivers.
Beyond said the acquisition would be funded by existing cash and debt facilities and completed through its Ireland-based subsidiary Beyond Entertainment Limited.
The price was not disclosed but Beyond told investors the sum is less than 10 per cent of its...
- 4/2/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Essential Media Group, the Australia and La-based producer behind shows including Texas Flip N Move, has completed a management buyout from collapsed production empire Kew Media Group.
Essential Media CEO Greg Quail and president Jesse Fawcett have acquired 100% of the company, while their post-house partner Dave Cole will also hold a stake. Fawcett has also acquired Big Timber Media from Kew in a separate transaction.
More from DeadlineKew Media: How The Production Group Behind 'The Inventor' & 'Dance Moms' Collapsed After One Acquisition Too ManyKew Media Group Collapses & Directors Resign After Lenders Call In DebtsSan Diego Comic-Con: Awesome Media Launches Graphic Novel Studio & Eyes Screen Adaptations, First Title 'Retrograde' Debuts At Confab
Quail said: “I am gutted by the collapse of Kew, they’re good people and there is nothing to celebrate here, but we will take this moment to buy back, consolidate our resources and rebuild. With its solid production and development slate,...
Essential Media CEO Greg Quail and president Jesse Fawcett have acquired 100% of the company, while their post-house partner Dave Cole will also hold a stake. Fawcett has also acquired Big Timber Media from Kew in a separate transaction.
More from DeadlineKew Media: How The Production Group Behind 'The Inventor' & 'Dance Moms' Collapsed After One Acquisition Too ManyKew Media Group Collapses & Directors Resign After Lenders Call In DebtsSan Diego Comic-Con: Awesome Media Launches Graphic Novel Studio & Eyes Screen Adaptations, First Title 'Retrograde' Debuts At Confab
Quail said: “I am gutted by the collapse of Kew, they’re good people and there is nothing to celebrate here, but we will take this moment to buy back, consolidate our resources and rebuild. With its solid production and development slate,...
- 3/13/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Greg Quail.
Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett have purchased the Essential companies from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
The deal gives Quail and Fawcett full control of the group’s Us, Australian and New Zealand operations while Dave Cole, managing director of post house Two Dogs.TV, regains a minority stake.
“It’s been a very distracting time. We’re looking forward to getting back to business and making TV shows,” Quail told If today.
Emg was formed by the merger of Australia’s Essential Media and Entertainment, Fawcett’s La- based 11 Television, Quail Entertainment Us and the North American joint venture Essential Quail Television (Eqtv).
Jesse Fawcett.
Canada’s Kew Media bought Emg in 2018 for $32.8 million, $20 million in cash and the balance in shares.
The Toronto-based media conglomerate collapsed in February and Fti Consulting Canada was appointed to sell its assets to repay creditors.
Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett have purchased the Essential companies from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
The deal gives Quail and Fawcett full control of the group’s Us, Australian and New Zealand operations while Dave Cole, managing director of post house Two Dogs.TV, regains a minority stake.
“It’s been a very distracting time. We’re looking forward to getting back to business and making TV shows,” Quail told If today.
Emg was formed by the merger of Australia’s Essential Media and Entertainment, Fawcett’s La- based 11 Television, Quail Entertainment Us and the North American joint venture Essential Quail Television (Eqtv).
Jesse Fawcett.
Canada’s Kew Media bought Emg in 2018 for $32.8 million, $20 million in cash and the balance in shares.
The Toronto-based media conglomerate collapsed in February and Fti Consulting Canada was appointed to sell its assets to repay creditors.
- 3/12/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: After nearly three months navigating perilously choppy waters, with some of its best talent abandoning ship and a steady drip of damaging press, Canada’s Kew Media Group (Kmg) finally sunk last Friday. The global producer-distributor’s eight directors resigned, scores of others lost their jobs, and the company will now be stripped of its assets. For insiders caught up in the wreckage, the post-mortem has begun on how this still-young company unraveled, taking down with it a profitable UK distribution arm that had a library boasting some of the biggest TV shows of 2019.
Founded by media financiers Peter Sussman and Steven Silver, Kmg announced itself to the world with a $50M Ipo on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2016. It embarked on a spending spree, acquiring or taking stakes in around 15 companies over two years, including Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, which made HBO...
Founded by media financiers Peter Sussman and Steven Silver, Kmg announced itself to the world with a $50M Ipo on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2016. It embarked on a spending spree, acquiring or taking stakes in around 15 companies over two years, including Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, which made HBO...
- 3/3/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Hilton.
Essential Media co-founder and CEO Chris Hilton has quit following a restructure and cost cutting program at the group’s Australian and New Zealand business.
Greg Quail, formerly the firm’s chief content officer/executive producer, has replaced Hilton as CEO in charge of operations spanning North America and Australasia.
There have been six redundancies in the Sydney office including Sadhana Jethanandani, head of production, Australia/ Nz, head of marketing Denise Anderson, two legal and two admin staff.
Brendan Dahill, who joined as general manager for Australia/Nz last October continues in that post. So do head of non-scripted David Alrich, VP scripted Michelle Hardy and Sam Griffin, who joined recently as head of documentaries and specialist factual.
The restructure was flagged last week by the group’s Canadian parent Kew Media, which blamed the under-performance of Essential’s Australian business for an overall 5.3 per cent drop in...
Essential Media co-founder and CEO Chris Hilton has quit following a restructure and cost cutting program at the group’s Australian and New Zealand business.
Greg Quail, formerly the firm’s chief content officer/executive producer, has replaced Hilton as CEO in charge of operations spanning North America and Australasia.
There have been six redundancies in the Sydney office including Sadhana Jethanandani, head of production, Australia/ Nz, head of marketing Denise Anderson, two legal and two admin staff.
Brendan Dahill, who joined as general manager for Australia/Nz last October continues in that post. So do head of non-scripted David Alrich, VP scripted Michelle Hardy and Sam Griffin, who joined recently as head of documentaries and specialist factual.
The restructure was flagged last week by the group’s Canadian parent Kew Media, which blamed the under-performance of Essential’s Australian business for an overall 5.3 per cent drop in...
- 11/20/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
A&e Network has ordered a live stunt series titled “The Impossible Live.”
The series, which hails from Kew Media Group’s Essential Media Group, will consist of five two-hour episodes featuring daredevils performing death-defying stunts such as parachute-less jump from a plane onto a speeding train, a motorcycle jump off a cliff in which the daredevil must drop the bike and grab on to the skids of a passing helicopter before the motorcycle plummets to the ground below, and the highest wire walk ever attempted from one hot air balloon to another.
In addition, A&e and Essential have partnered with daredevil Bello Nock and his company Opportunity Nocks, Inc. to create “Volcano Walk Live,” a live special showcasing a world record high-wire walk over an active volcano.
“‘The Impossible Live’ will take viewers on a wild ride as they witness, in real time, the world’s greatest daredevils risking life...
The series, which hails from Kew Media Group’s Essential Media Group, will consist of five two-hour episodes featuring daredevils performing death-defying stunts such as parachute-less jump from a plane onto a speeding train, a motorcycle jump off a cliff in which the daredevil must drop the bike and grab on to the skids of a passing helicopter before the motorcycle plummets to the ground below, and the highest wire walk ever attempted from one hot air balloon to another.
In addition, A&e and Essential have partnered with daredevil Bello Nock and his company Opportunity Nocks, Inc. to create “Volcano Walk Live,” a live special showcasing a world record high-wire walk over an active volcano.
“‘The Impossible Live’ will take viewers on a wild ride as they witness, in real time, the world’s greatest daredevils risking life...
- 6/20/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
A&e Networks has ordered “The Impossible Live,” a stunt series that features people with a death wish attempting ridiculous feats, like jumping out of a plane onto a speeding train without a parachute.
Hailing from Essential Media Group, “The Impossible Live” (working title) will feature “the world’s greatest daredevils attempting the most death-defying stunts ever seen on live television; including a parachute-less jump from a plane onto a speeding train, a motorcycle jump off a cliff in which the daredevil must drop the bike and grab on to the skids of a passing helicopter before the motorcycle plummets to the ground below; and the highest wire walk ever attempted from one hot air balloon to another,” according to A&e. Five two-hour episodes are planned.
The series will begin pre-production this fall.
Also Read: 'Annabelle Comes Home' Was Just as Creepy Off Camera, From Moving Furniture to Nonstop...
Hailing from Essential Media Group, “The Impossible Live” (working title) will feature “the world’s greatest daredevils attempting the most death-defying stunts ever seen on live television; including a parachute-less jump from a plane onto a speeding train, a motorcycle jump off a cliff in which the daredevil must drop the bike and grab on to the skids of a passing helicopter before the motorcycle plummets to the ground below; and the highest wire walk ever attempted from one hot air balloon to another,” according to A&e. Five two-hour episodes are planned.
The series will begin pre-production this fall.
Also Read: 'Annabelle Comes Home' Was Just as Creepy Off Camera, From Moving Furniture to Nonstop...
- 6/20/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
A&e Network and Essential Media Group continue to push the boundaries in the genre of high-stakes stunts on live TV with new series The Impossible Live (working title). A&e has ordered five two-hour episodes of the series, which they describe as the most ambitious live stunt series ever attempted.
A&e and Essential have also been partnering with daredevil Bello Nock and his company Opportunity Nocks, Inc. on previously announced Volcano Walk Live (working title), a live special showcasing the longest, most complicated and dangerous stunt ever attempted – a world record high-wire walk over an active volcano. The special, which had been in development, has gotten an official green light.
“The Impossible Live will take viewers on a wild ride as they witness, in real time, the world’s greatest daredevils risking life and limb to pull off stunts worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster film,...
A&e and Essential have also been partnering with daredevil Bello Nock and his company Opportunity Nocks, Inc. on previously announced Volcano Walk Live (working title), a live special showcasing the longest, most complicated and dangerous stunt ever attempted – a world record high-wire walk over an active volcano. The special, which had been in development, has gotten an official green light.
“The Impossible Live will take viewers on a wild ride as they witness, in real time, the world’s greatest daredevils risking life and limb to pull off stunts worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster film,...
- 6/20/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Brendan Dahill
Former ABC, BBC Worldwide and Keo Films Australia executive Brendan Dahill has joined Essential Media Group (Emg) as general manager and executive producer for Australia and New Zealand, a newly-created position.
Since leaving Keo Films he has run Gordian Media, a production company which launched in 2017 and became a joint venture with NBCUniversal and Matchbox Pictures in February.
As MD of Keo Films, which closed its Australian office in 2017, he oversaw productions including documentary series War on Waste for the ABC and factual and entertainment shows River Cottage Australia for Foxtel/Sbs, Struggle Street for Sbs and Bullied for the ABC.
He spent seven years at the ABC where he served as head of non-scripted productions, head of network programming and channel controller of ABC1.
Before that he was director of television at BBC Worldwide Australasia and he had stints at the BBC, ITV and UKTV in the UK and Discovery Channel Europe.
Former ABC, BBC Worldwide and Keo Films Australia executive Brendan Dahill has joined Essential Media Group (Emg) as general manager and executive producer for Australia and New Zealand, a newly-created position.
Since leaving Keo Films he has run Gordian Media, a production company which launched in 2017 and became a joint venture with NBCUniversal and Matchbox Pictures in February.
As MD of Keo Films, which closed its Australian office in 2017, he oversaw productions including documentary series War on Waste for the ABC and factual and entertainment shows River Cottage Australia for Foxtel/Sbs, Struggle Street for Sbs and Bullied for the ABC.
He spent seven years at the ABC where he served as head of non-scripted productions, head of network programming and channel controller of ABC1.
Before that he was director of television at BBC Worldwide Australasia and he had stints at the BBC, ITV and UKTV in the UK and Discovery Channel Europe.
- 10/11/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The producer behind series including “Rake” and “Jack Irish” and the movie “Saving Mr. Banks” is launching Essential Scripted, a new high-end TV and film production business.
International Emmy Award-winning producer Michelle Hardy has joined the team. A first-look deal has also been set with Hardy White Pictures, the Australian drama indie that is a partnership between Hardy, and director Erin White, whose credits include the ABC Australia comedy series “Sando.”
The new division will be part of Essential Media, which is owned by acquisitive film and TV production and distribution group Kew Media.
Essential sold its drama catalog to FremantleMedia last September in a move that saw one of its co-founders, Ian Collie, exit and start FremantleMedia-backed drama shingle Easy Tiger. Based in Sydney and L.A., Essential is now getting back into creating drama with the launch of the new scripted unit.
Essential is run by CEO Chris Hilton...
International Emmy Award-winning producer Michelle Hardy has joined the team. A first-look deal has also been set with Hardy White Pictures, the Australian drama indie that is a partnership between Hardy, and director Erin White, whose credits include the ABC Australia comedy series “Sando.”
The new division will be part of Essential Media, which is owned by acquisitive film and TV production and distribution group Kew Media.
Essential sold its drama catalog to FremantleMedia last September in a move that saw one of its co-founders, Ian Collie, exit and start FremantleMedia-backed drama shingle Easy Tiger. Based in Sydney and L.A., Essential is now getting back into creating drama with the launch of the new scripted unit.
Essential is run by CEO Chris Hilton...
- 7/5/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Canadian indie studio Kew Media Group will acquire Essential Quail Media Group in a Can$31.9 million (Us$24 million) cash and stock deal.
Eq Media focuses on producing lifestyle TV content for the U.S. and Australian markets. After the takeover is completed, the company's top management, including CEO Chris Hilton and chief content officer Greg Quail, will remain with Eq Media.
"We now have the opportunity to take it to the next level by partnering with Kew and accessing its strong international distribution platform," Quail said Monday in a statement. Eq Media is best known for ...
Eq Media focuses on producing lifestyle TV content for the U.S. and Australian markets. After the takeover is completed, the company's top management, including CEO Chris Hilton and chief content officer Greg Quail, will remain with Eq Media.
"We now have the opportunity to take it to the next level by partnering with Kew and accessing its strong international distribution platform," Quail said Monday in a statement. Eq Media is best known for ...
- 4/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
ABC1 has commissioned a new late night weekly comedy series entitled Wednesday Night Fever.
From Quail Television, the creators of ABC1.s popular At Home with Julia, Wednesday Night Fever will feature a number of satirical characters, political impersonations and live music performed by an ensemble cast in front of a live audience..
Already demonstrating some of the show.s no-holds-barred humour, Creator/Executive Producer Rick Kalowski says, .Defamation lawyers contemplating a first class ski trip to Aspen should book with confidence. This is your year..
Executive Producer Greg Quail spoke of the troubles associated with casting the series, explaining, .We.re still searching for performers willing to join the witness protection program right after the first episode goes to air..
.Wednesday Night Fever promises to entertain and delight audiences with a provocative mid-week serve of satire and musical comedy,. said ABC TV.s Head of Entertainment, Jennifer Collins.. .There...
From Quail Television, the creators of ABC1.s popular At Home with Julia, Wednesday Night Fever will feature a number of satirical characters, political impersonations and live music performed by an ensemble cast in front of a live audience..
Already demonstrating some of the show.s no-holds-barred humour, Creator/Executive Producer Rick Kalowski says, .Defamation lawyers contemplating a first class ski trip to Aspen should book with confidence. This is your year..
Executive Producer Greg Quail spoke of the troubles associated with casting the series, explaining, .We.re still searching for performers willing to join the witness protection program right after the first episode goes to air..
.Wednesday Night Fever promises to entertain and delight audiences with a provocative mid-week serve of satire and musical comedy,. said ABC TV.s Head of Entertainment, Jennifer Collins.. .There...
- 4/22/2013
- by Emily Blatchford
- IF.com.au
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