Chris Hemsworth returns with ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’ season 2 (National Geographic for Disney+/Craig Parry)
National Geographic has renewed both Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and A Real Bug’s Life for second seasons. Season one of Limitless premiered on Disney+ in November 2022 and A Real Bug’s Life, narrated by Awkwafina, debuted in January 2024.
“Working on Limitless was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to reflect on my strengths, vulnerabilities and all the ways in which we as humans can plan toward longevity,” said Hemsworth. “For this next season, we are attempting to raise the bar and go even deeper in this exploration alongside health and wellness experts from around the globe.”
Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel created the series and will return to executive produce the new season. Additional executive producers include Hemsworth, Tom Watt-Smith, Jane Root, Ben Grayson, Brandon Hill, Bengt Anderson, and Simon Raikes.
“Millions of viewers around...
National Geographic has renewed both Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and A Real Bug’s Life for second seasons. Season one of Limitless premiered on Disney+ in November 2022 and A Real Bug’s Life, narrated by Awkwafina, debuted in January 2024.
“Working on Limitless was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to reflect on my strengths, vulnerabilities and all the ways in which we as humans can plan toward longevity,” said Hemsworth. “For this next season, we are attempting to raise the bar and go even deeper in this exploration alongside health and wellness experts from around the globe.”
Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel created the series and will return to executive produce the new season. Additional executive producers include Hemsworth, Tom Watt-Smith, Jane Root, Ben Grayson, Brandon Hill, Bengt Anderson, and Simon Raikes.
“Millions of viewers around...
- 2/8/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
National Geographic is bringing back two of its Disney+ originals for second seasons.
The company has renewed Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and A Real Bug’s Life.
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth premiered in 2022 and follows the Extraction star as he explores secrets of improving our lives.
In season one, Hemsworth pushed the limits of his body and mind to discover how fasting can unlock the body’s anti-aging power, how to manage stress so it doesn’t kill you, and how exposure to extreme temperatures can trigger our bodies’ own defenses against the killer diseases of old age, all in a quest to live a longer, healthier life.
In the second season, he travels through Nepal, Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom in four more challenges.
It comes from Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures and Jane Root’s Nutopia. The pair exec produce alongside Hemsworth as well as Ari Handel, Tom Watt-Smith,...
The company has renewed Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and A Real Bug’s Life.
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth premiered in 2022 and follows the Extraction star as he explores secrets of improving our lives.
In season one, Hemsworth pushed the limits of his body and mind to discover how fasting can unlock the body’s anti-aging power, how to manage stress so it doesn’t kill you, and how exposure to extreme temperatures can trigger our bodies’ own defenses against the killer diseases of old age, all in a quest to live a longer, healthier life.
In the second season, he travels through Nepal, Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom in four more challenges.
It comes from Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures and Jane Root’s Nutopia. The pair exec produce alongside Hemsworth as well as Ari Handel, Tom Watt-Smith,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Nat Geo has ordered a trio of new projects.
The network has greenlit Pathological, a true-crime doc about conman Stéphane Bourgoin and Sally, a feature doc about space pioneer Sally Ride, while Anthony Mackie is taking Shark Beach over from Chris Hemsworth.
Pathological: Chasing A True-Crime Con Man follows the rise and fall of bestselling French author and serial killer expert Bourgoin, whose career was built on a foundation of lies. The series takes viewers through the dramatic twists and turns of Bourgoin’s life in front of and behind the camera and tracks his pursuit by a group of true-crime enthusiasts, whose passion for the genre turned them into amateur sleuths and seekers of truth.
Based on the New Yorker’s 2022 piece on Bourgoin from journalist Lauren Collins, the three-part series comes from filmmaker Ben Selkow. It is produced by The New Yorker Studios and The Circus producer Left/Right.
The network has greenlit Pathological, a true-crime doc about conman Stéphane Bourgoin and Sally, a feature doc about space pioneer Sally Ride, while Anthony Mackie is taking Shark Beach over from Chris Hemsworth.
Pathological: Chasing A True-Crime Con Man follows the rise and fall of bestselling French author and serial killer expert Bourgoin, whose career was built on a foundation of lies. The series takes viewers through the dramatic twists and turns of Bourgoin’s life in front of and behind the camera and tracks his pursuit by a group of true-crime enthusiasts, whose passion for the genre turned them into amateur sleuths and seekers of truth.
Based on the New Yorker’s 2022 piece on Bourgoin from journalist Lauren Collins, the three-part series comes from filmmaker Ben Selkow. It is produced by The New Yorker Studios and The Circus producer Left/Right.
- 2/8/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Hemsworth will continue testing his phyical and mental boundaries for Nat Geo.
The Disney-owned company has renewed Limitless With Chris Hemsworth for a second season, which like the first will stream on Disney+. The formal pickup comes more than a year after the first season debuted in November 2022.
Nat Geo and Disney+ have also renewed A Real Bug’s Life, the (partially staged) nature series that uses the 1998 Pixar movie A Bug’s Life as its inspiration. That pickup was much quicker, coming two weeks after the series premiered. Nat Geo announced both pickups during its time at the Television Critics Association press tour on Thursday.
Season one of Limitless followed Hemsworth as he explored — using himself as a test subject — scientific developments in helping people live longer, healthier lives. Season two will focus on “a series of physical and mental obstaclesthat people across the world face daily: mental agility, pain,...
The Disney-owned company has renewed Limitless With Chris Hemsworth for a second season, which like the first will stream on Disney+. The formal pickup comes more than a year after the first season debuted in November 2022.
Nat Geo and Disney+ have also renewed A Real Bug’s Life, the (partially staged) nature series that uses the 1998 Pixar movie A Bug’s Life as its inspiration. That pickup was much quicker, coming two weeks after the series premiered. Nat Geo announced both pickups during its time at the Television Critics Association press tour on Thursday.
Season one of Limitless followed Hemsworth as he explored — using himself as a test subject — scientific developments in helping people live longer, healthier lives. Season two will focus on “a series of physical and mental obstaclesthat people across the world face daily: mental agility, pain,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The Last Czars maker Nutopia has landed its latest docu-drama, a re-telling of the life of Jesus that will “shine a new light” on his life.
Jesus Crown Of Thorns will debut on Fox Nation – the first time Jane Root’s indie has worked with the Fox streamer – and will head into production later this year.
The series, which is intended as a franchise, will “redefine the way we perceive Jesus’ life against the backdrop of the turbulent times,” according to the producer. It will set Jesus’ life and mission in the context of the intense political backdrop in which he emerged as a revolutionary figure who dared challenge the status quo.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with our new partners at Fox Nation to explore the life of Jesus in this new and illuminating way,” said exec producer Ben Goold.
In recent years, Nutopia has nurtured a...
Jesus Crown Of Thorns will debut on Fox Nation – the first time Jane Root’s indie has worked with the Fox streamer – and will head into production later this year.
The series, which is intended as a franchise, will “redefine the way we perceive Jesus’ life against the backdrop of the turbulent times,” according to the producer. It will set Jesus’ life and mission in the context of the intense political backdrop in which he emerged as a revolutionary figure who dared challenge the status quo.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with our new partners at Fox Nation to explore the life of Jesus in this new and illuminating way,” said exec producer Ben Goold.
In recent years, Nutopia has nurtured a...
- 10/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It is possible that in his search for CNN’s next boss, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav simply checked back through the news network’s archives.
In the otherworldly days of 2020, when Richard Quest was broadcasting in front of a bookcase, the gravel-voiced anchor conducted an exit interview with former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson.
“What is next? People of your age, with your experience … you do not go off to grow petunias and go fishing,” Quest twinkled. Sat in a wood-paneled kitchen in Maine, Thompson chuckled. “I’ll be doing a bit of cooking later,” demurred the 66-year-old Brit, renowned for his culinary skills among friends.
But there was more on his mind than the next meal. “I like big challenges, that should be fairly apparent. That might come in the shape of another big executive job,” he told Quest. “I’m interested in the puzzle of...
In the otherworldly days of 2020, when Richard Quest was broadcasting in front of a bookcase, the gravel-voiced anchor conducted an exit interview with former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson.
“What is next? People of your age, with your experience … you do not go off to grow petunias and go fishing,” Quest twinkled. Sat in a wood-paneled kitchen in Maine, Thompson chuckled. “I’ll be doing a bit of cooking later,” demurred the 66-year-old Brit, renowned for his culinary skills among friends.
But there was more on his mind than the next meal. “I like big challenges, that should be fairly apparent. That might come in the shape of another big executive job,” he told Quest. “I’m interested in the puzzle of...
- 9/1/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Mobeen Azhar has questioned whether the documentary genre will “end up in a situation where buyers with the biggest cheque books get bigger access,” but senior Sky and Amazon execs have shot back.
The BAFTA-winning documentarian raised fears that public service broadcasters with shallower pockets will end up in a “special space without money” that he compared to a “desert island,” while the best contributors opt for docs greenlit by the money-laden U.S. streaming services.
“That’s why I think [paying contributors] is an issue and I know it already happens,” said Azhar, who has made a wealth of docs mainly for the BBC.
Azhar debated with BBC, Sky and Amazon doc bosses this afternoon at the Edinburgh TV Festival over the practice of how much to pay contributors, or whether they should be paid at all.
Sky’s Poppy Dixon shot back at Azhar. “You are presuming that [a contributors’] primary motivation is money,...
The BAFTA-winning documentarian raised fears that public service broadcasters with shallower pockets will end up in a “special space without money” that he compared to a “desert island,” while the best contributors opt for docs greenlit by the money-laden U.S. streaming services.
“That’s why I think [paying contributors] is an issue and I know it already happens,” said Azhar, who has made a wealth of docs mainly for the BBC.
Azhar debated with BBC, Sky and Amazon doc bosses this afternoon at the Edinburgh TV Festival over the practice of how much to pay contributors, or whether they should be paid at all.
Sky’s Poppy Dixon shot back at Azhar. “You are presuming that [a contributors’] primary motivation is money,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix is in production on a documentary series about Paolo Macchiarini, a disgraced surgeon convicted of gross assault for implanting artificial windpipes in patients who later died.
Nutopia, the UK production company behind Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and Queen Cleopatra, is producing the three-part series, working titled Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife.
The documentary will spotlight the work of Macchiarini, who set out to revolutionize regenerative medicine in 2011 by implanting plastic windpipes in patients desperate for a cure.
But Macchiarini lied about his research and three of those he treated died, while a fourth later had their artificial windpipe removed.
A Swedish appeals court convicted Macchiarini on Wednesday and sentenced him to two-and-a-half years in prison. He has denied any criminal wrongdoing.
According to Associated Press, the Svea Court of Appeal ruled that two of the three patients who died did not require emergency intervention, while the procedure...
Nutopia, the UK production company behind Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and Queen Cleopatra, is producing the three-part series, working titled Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife.
The documentary will spotlight the work of Macchiarini, who set out to revolutionize regenerative medicine in 2011 by implanting plastic windpipes in patients desperate for a cure.
But Macchiarini lied about his research and three of those he treated died, while a fourth later had their artificial windpipe removed.
A Swedish appeals court convicted Macchiarini on Wednesday and sentenced him to two-and-a-half years in prison. He has denied any criminal wrongdoing.
According to Associated Press, the Svea Court of Appeal ruled that two of the three patients who died did not require emergency intervention, while the procedure...
- 6/21/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Adele James, who plays the titular role in Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docuseries, has addressed the controversy around the project after the Egyptian government criticized the portrayal of the country’s famous ruler as dark-skinned.
“Blackwashing isn’t a thing, is it?” the British actress told The Wayne Ayers Podcast on Wednesday about the controversy over Cleopatra’s race and heritage, which remains a hotly debated subject among historians. “I find it sad that people are either so self-loathing or so threatened by Blackness that they feel the need to do that, to separate Egypt from the rest of the continent,” the Casualty star added.
Netflix declined to comment on the docuseries’ creative choice to cast James, who is of mixed heritage, to play Cleopatra to reflect historical research that points to Egypt’s population in ancient times being multicultural and multiracial.
“Her ethnicity is not the focus of Queen Cleopatra,...
“Blackwashing isn’t a thing, is it?” the British actress told The Wayne Ayers Podcast on Wednesday about the controversy over Cleopatra’s race and heritage, which remains a hotly debated subject among historians. “I find it sad that people are either so self-loathing or so threatened by Blackness that they feel the need to do that, to separate Egypt from the rest of the continent,” the Casualty star added.
Netflix declined to comment on the docuseries’ creative choice to cast James, who is of mixed heritage, to play Cleopatra to reflect historical research that points to Egypt’s population in ancient times being multicultural and multiracial.
“Her ethnicity is not the focus of Queen Cleopatra,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The EP behind Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docu-drama has defended the casting of an actor of mixed heritage descent in the title role, stating that Adele James reflects the “multicultural nature of ancient Egypt.”
With Queen Cleopatra premiering today as the second instalment of the African Queens series, Jane Root, who runs the Jada Pinkett Smith-narrated show’s production outfit Nutopia, said Netflix “asked us to promote a conversation and that’s just what has happened.”
The series has been generating headlines aplenty over the past weeks following the Egyptian government’s staunch criticism of James’ casting, with the government insisting that the ancient Queen was likely of Greek descent and would have been fair skinned. The discussion has been debated on the likes of The Daily Show and Piers Morgan’s Talk TV show and, according to the Egypt Independent, the government-backed al-Wathaeqya documentary channel has begun producing...
With Queen Cleopatra premiering today as the second instalment of the African Queens series, Jane Root, who runs the Jada Pinkett Smith-narrated show’s production outfit Nutopia, said Netflix “asked us to promote a conversation and that’s just what has happened.”
The series has been generating headlines aplenty over the past weeks following the Egyptian government’s staunch criticism of James’ casting, with the government insisting that the ancient Queen was likely of Greek descent and would have been fair skinned. The discussion has been debated on the likes of The Daily Show and Piers Morgan’s Talk TV show and, according to the Egypt Independent, the government-backed al-Wathaeqya documentary channel has begun producing...
- 5/10/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Welcome to Earth with Will Smith producer Nutopia is pushing further into the returning formats game with the hire of a new Creative Director in the UK.
Tom Watt-Smith joins Nutopia from Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb producer Lion TV just a few months after he was promoted to become Lion’s Creative Director of Premium and Specialist Factual.
At Nutopia, he will take on the newly-created Creative Director of Formats and Special Projects post to expand the transatlantic outfit’s documentary and returning formats slate, based out of London. He will “support Nutopia’s continued growth into new markets, price points, and territories,” according to the indie.
Nutopia’s shows include Nat Geo’s Welcome to Earth with Will Smith, Netflix’s African Queens and Sky History’s Royal Mob. Jane Root’s outfit also has a deal in place with former Travel Channel boss Pat Younge to...
Tom Watt-Smith joins Nutopia from Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb producer Lion TV just a few months after he was promoted to become Lion’s Creative Director of Premium and Specialist Factual.
At Nutopia, he will take on the newly-created Creative Director of Formats and Special Projects post to expand the transatlantic outfit’s documentary and returning formats slate, based out of London. He will “support Nutopia’s continued growth into new markets, price points, and territories,” according to the indie.
Nutopia’s shows include Nat Geo’s Welcome to Earth with Will Smith, Netflix’s African Queens and Sky History’s Royal Mob. Jane Root’s outfit also has a deal in place with former Travel Channel boss Pat Younge to...
- 4/20/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Jada Pinkett Smith will delve into the rich stories of prominent African women rulers in the upcoming Netflix docuseries African Queens: Njinga.
On Tuesday, the streamer dropped the first trailer for Season 1, which will focus on Njinga, the “complex, captivating, and fearless 17th-century warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern day Angola,” per the official description. As the nation’s first female ruler, she “earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance.”
More from TVLineGLOW Season 4 Photos: Cast Member Shares Peek at Cancelled Farewell RunMatthew McConaughey to...
On Tuesday, the streamer dropped the first trailer for Season 1, which will focus on Njinga, the “complex, captivating, and fearless 17th-century warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern day Angola,” per the official description. As the nation’s first female ruler, she “earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance.”
More from TVLineGLOW Season 4 Photos: Cast Member Shares Peek at Cancelled Farewell RunMatthew McConaughey to...
- 2/7/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Nutopia, the Welcome to Earth with Will Smith and Limitless with Chris Hemsworth producer, has created a Chief Creative Officer role for veteran exec Simon Willgoss.
Willgoss, who has been with Jane Root’s transatlantic indie for 15 years, was most recently EVP Development and became Head of Development in 2015. Prior to this, he was part of the team that pioneered the “mega-doc”, an in-vogue genre that has seen the likes of National Geographic trio Welcome to Earth with Will Smith, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and Darron Aronofksy’s One Strange Rock hit TV screens.
Root said Willgoss has been a “crucial part of Nutopia’s success over the past decade and his creative vision and leadership will help take the company to new heights.”
Simon Willgoss
Willgoss added that “big plans and new partnerships” are incoming in 2023. “It’s been a fantastic journey so far and I look forward...
Willgoss, who has been with Jane Root’s transatlantic indie for 15 years, was most recently EVP Development and became Head of Development in 2015. Prior to this, he was part of the team that pioneered the “mega-doc”, an in-vogue genre that has seen the likes of National Geographic trio Welcome to Earth with Will Smith, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and Darron Aronofksy’s One Strange Rock hit TV screens.
Root said Willgoss has been a “crucial part of Nutopia’s success over the past decade and his creative vision and leadership will help take the company to new heights.”
Simon Willgoss
Willgoss added that “big plans and new partnerships” are incoming in 2023. “It’s been a fantastic journey so far and I look forward...
- 1/11/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ask anyone involved in the Disney+ nonfiction series “Limitless With Chris Hemsworth” from National Geographic what makes the show stand out, and it’s likely they’d say the same thing: Chris Hemsworth himself. The movie star, most famous for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, brings honesty and humanity to the series that allows its deeper lessons about health and aging to land with greater impact.
“Chris is kind of great for this because we all know that he’s Thor, but he is also your everyday guy. And when you meet him, he’s really casual, really chill. He’s a really lovely person to be around,” series line producer Emma Thompson tells Gold Derby in an exclusive video interview. “But he’s also genuinely interested in fitness and nutrition and what he does to his body. And he really interrogated the science in this show,...
“Chris is kind of great for this because we all know that he’s Thor, but he is also your everyday guy. And when you meet him, he’s really casual, really chill. He’s a really lovely person to be around,” series line producer Emma Thompson tells Gold Derby in an exclusive video interview. “But he’s also genuinely interested in fitness and nutrition and what he does to his body. And he really interrogated the science in this show,...
- 12/14/2022
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Chris Hemsworth may play the God of Thunder on the big screen, but there is a huge difference between looking like a superhero and actually being one. That's what the "Thor: Love and Thunder" star had to learn while filming his new Disney+ show, "Limitless," which sees him performing a series of (pretty literally) death-defying acts in a quest to figure out how far humans can push themselves in the hope of achieving longevity. But the difference between Thor and Hemsworth? The actor's bones break, and that's where Marvel steps in.
In an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to promote "Limitless," Hemsworth revealed that he actually busted his ankle while filming one of the show's episodes. The accident occurred during a particularly intense stunt that involved climbing to the top of a cable car using only a rope whilst suspended 100 feet below the dangling car. Hemsworth regaled Kimmel with the following tale:
"I said,...
In an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to promote "Limitless," Hemsworth revealed that he actually busted his ankle while filming one of the show's episodes. The accident occurred during a particularly intense stunt that involved climbing to the top of a cable car using only a rope whilst suspended 100 feet below the dangling car. Hemsworth regaled Kimmel with the following tale:
"I said,...
- 11/16/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Chris Hemsworth’s immense charm and willingness to poke fun at himself are put to good use in Disney+ and National Geographic’s Limitless with Chris Hemsworth. The six-part documentary series finds Chris Hemsworth attempting to battle time and take on the aging process through a series of intense physical challenges.
Each obstacle tossed his way helps Hemsworth in his journey to understand how human bodies can combat illnesses and perform better, even as we age. Nearly all the incredible acts of strength and endurance showcased in Limitless with Chris Hemsworth are beyond what most humans are capable of. But even though we normal mortals might not be able to climb a 100-foot rope or walk across a crane 900 feet above the ground, the goal of each episode is to be able to take the lessons Hemsworth learns and incorporate them into our everyday lives. The extreme challenges are merely...
Each obstacle tossed his way helps Hemsworth in his journey to understand how human bodies can combat illnesses and perform better, even as we age. Nearly all the incredible acts of strength and endurance showcased in Limitless with Chris Hemsworth are beyond what most humans are capable of. But even though we normal mortals might not be able to climb a 100-foot rope or walk across a crane 900 feet above the ground, the goal of each episode is to be able to take the lessons Hemsworth learns and incorporate them into our everyday lives. The extreme challenges are merely...
- 11/14/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Cinema Eye Honors, the organization that recognizes outstanding artistic achievement in nonfiction and documentary films & series, announced the first round of their 2023 awards and nominations at its annual Cinema Eye Fall Lunch held in Los Angeles.
In the five Broadcast categories, HBO film “Four Hours at the Capitol,” an inside look at the January 6th riot, led with three nominations: Broadcast Film, Broadcast Editing and Broadcast Cinematography. Other projects like the Disney+ docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back” and Showtime’s “We Need to Talk About Cosby” also received more than one nomination.
Other announcements at the event include the annual Shorts List, which spotlights 10 of the year’s top documentary short films, and the recipient of the Legacy Award this year, Terry Zwigoff’s 1995 film “Crumb.”
“I’m glad to find out you don’t have to be dead to receive this award,” Zwigoff said in a written statement. “I...
In the five Broadcast categories, HBO film “Four Hours at the Capitol,” an inside look at the January 6th riot, led with three nominations: Broadcast Film, Broadcast Editing and Broadcast Cinematography. Other projects like the Disney+ docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back” and Showtime’s “We Need to Talk About Cosby” also received more than one nomination.
Other announcements at the event include the annual Shorts List, which spotlights 10 of the year’s top documentary short films, and the recipient of the Legacy Award this year, Terry Zwigoff’s 1995 film “Crumb.”
“I’m glad to find out you don’t have to be dead to receive this award,” Zwigoff said in a written statement. “I...
- 10/20/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
“Four Hours at the Capitol,” “The Beatles: Get Back,” “Playing With Sharks,” “We Need to Talk About Cosby,” “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” and “How To With John Wilson” are among the nonfiction television programs that have been nominated in the Cinema Eye Honors broadcast categories, Cinema Eye Honors announced at the organization’s annual fall lunch in Los Angeles on Thursday.
“Four Hours at the Capitol,” Jamie Roberts’ HBO film about the Jan. 6 insurrection, received three nominations to lead all programs. “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Stanley Tucci,” “John Wilson” and “Playing With Sharks” each received two nominations.
Along with “Four Hours at the Capitol” and “Playing With Sharks,” broadcast film nominees were “Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes,” “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” and “George Carlin’s American Dream.” Nonfiction series nominees were “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Black and Missing,” “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey,” “LuLaRich” and “Mind Over Murder.” Nominated anthology series...
“Four Hours at the Capitol,” Jamie Roberts’ HBO film about the Jan. 6 insurrection, received three nominations to lead all programs. “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Stanley Tucci,” “John Wilson” and “Playing With Sharks” each received two nominations.
Along with “Four Hours at the Capitol” and “Playing With Sharks,” broadcast film nominees were “Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes,” “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” and “George Carlin’s American Dream.” Nonfiction series nominees were “Get Back,” “Cosby,” “Black and Missing,” “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey,” “LuLaRich” and “Mind Over Murder.” Nominated anthology series...
- 10/20/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Disney+ Hotstar revealed the official trailer for the original series “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” from National Geographic. In the six-part documentary series, global movie star Chris Hemsworth takes viewers on a rollercoaster personal journey as he explores how to combat aging and discover the full potential of the human body. Building on the latest scientific research, “Limitless” shatters conventional wisdom about maximizing life. All episodes of the series premiere Nov. 16, exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and his production company Protozoa, Jane Root’s Nutopia, and Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson’s newly formed Wild State, “Limitless” puts cutting-edge science of human longevity center-stage. Part global scientific adventure, part personal journey, each episode of the series follows Chris as he takes up a gauntlet of physical and mental feats designed by world-class experts, scientists and doctors to unlock different aspects of the aging process. Each meticulously...
From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and his production company Protozoa, Jane Root’s Nutopia, and Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson’s newly formed Wild State, “Limitless” puts cutting-edge science of human longevity center-stage. Part global scientific adventure, part personal journey, each episode of the series follows Chris as he takes up a gauntlet of physical and mental feats designed by world-class experts, scientists and doctors to unlock different aspects of the aging process. Each meticulously...
- 10/7/2022
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Last year, Chris Hemsworth appeared in a brief trailer for an upcoming National Geographic series in which he explores some cutting-edge research on how to reverse the aging process.
That series is finally on the horizon, with Disney+ plus revealing that “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” will be making its debut next month.
“What if you could combat aging and discover the full potential of the human body? Global movie star Chris Hemsworth explores this revolutionary idea in the new National Geographic original series ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’, created by Darren Aronofsky and hailing from his production company Protozoa and Jane Root’s Nutopia,” declares the series synopsis.
Read More: Chris Hemsworth Seeks To Reverse The Aging Process In Trailer For New Disney+ Series ‘Limitless’
“New scientific research is shattering conventional wisdom about the human body and offering fascinating insights into how we can all unlock our body’s superpowers to fight illness,...
That series is finally on the horizon, with Disney+ plus revealing that “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” will be making its debut next month.
“What if you could combat aging and discover the full potential of the human body? Global movie star Chris Hemsworth explores this revolutionary idea in the new National Geographic original series ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’, created by Darren Aronofsky and hailing from his production company Protozoa and Jane Root’s Nutopia,” declares the series synopsis.
Read More: Chris Hemsworth Seeks To Reverse The Aging Process In Trailer For New Disney+ Series ‘Limitless’
“New scientific research is shattering conventional wisdom about the human body and offering fascinating insights into how we can all unlock our body’s superpowers to fight illness,...
- 10/6/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Chris Hemsworth (the Thor franchise) takes on the most difficult tests of his life for an important cause in National Geographic’s Limitless with Chris Hemsworth. The six-part documentary series focuses on combating aging, with Hemsworth participating in epic challenges while guided by experts in the fields explored in each episode.
All six episodes debut on Disney+ on November 16, 2022.
The docuseries was produced by Protozoa, Nutopia, and Wild State for National Geographic. Wild State’s Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson executive produce along with Protozoa’s Oscar winner Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel. In addition, Nutopia’s Jane Root, Arif Nurmohamed, and Ruth Shurman executive produce as well as National Geographic’s Bengt Anderson and Matt Renner.
Chris Hemsworth during production of ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’ in Norway (Photo credit: National Geographic/Craig Parry)
National Geographic released the following description of the documentary series:
Part global scientific adventure, part personal journey,...
All six episodes debut on Disney+ on November 16, 2022.
The docuseries was produced by Protozoa, Nutopia, and Wild State for National Geographic. Wild State’s Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson executive produce along with Protozoa’s Oscar winner Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel. In addition, Nutopia’s Jane Root, Arif Nurmohamed, and Ruth Shurman executive produce as well as National Geographic’s Bengt Anderson and Matt Renner.
Chris Hemsworth during production of ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’ in Norway (Photo credit: National Geographic/Craig Parry)
National Geographic released the following description of the documentary series:
Part global scientific adventure, part personal journey,...
- 10/6/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Chris Hemsworth during production of ‘Limitless’ in Norway. (Photo credit: National Geographic/Craig Parry)
Chris Hemsworth (the Thor franchise) and producer Ben Grayson’s recently formed multiplatform production company, Wild State, is launching with a first-look deal with National Geographic. The deal involves Wild State developing unscripted projects in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel, and science for National Geographic’s multiple platforms.
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform. Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive narratives that both entertain and shine a light on important issues around the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to tell highly impactful, important stories in the unscripted space backed by the support of the premier global conservation and environmental brand in Nat Geo,” said Hemsworth and Grayson.
Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson...
Chris Hemsworth (the Thor franchise) and producer Ben Grayson’s recently formed multiplatform production company, Wild State, is launching with a first-look deal with National Geographic. The deal involves Wild State developing unscripted projects in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel, and science for National Geographic’s multiple platforms.
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform. Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive narratives that both entertain and shine a light on important issues around the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to tell highly impactful, important stories in the unscripted space backed by the support of the premier global conservation and environmental brand in Nat Geo,” said Hemsworth and Grayson.
Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson...
- 10/1/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Chris Hemsworth, along with producing partner Ben Grayson, have announced the launch of Wild State, their new multiplatform production company.
In addition, Wild State will enter into a first-look deal with National Geographic, which will include the development of all unscripted projects in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel and science for all of the network’s platforms and National Geographic-produced Disney+ Originals. The newly-formed production company has several properties ready to go out to market across unscripted, scripted and brand projects.
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform,” said Hemsworth and Grayson. “Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive narratives that both entertain and shine a light on important issues around the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to tell highly impactful, important stories in the unscripted space backed...
In addition, Wild State will enter into a first-look deal with National Geographic, which will include the development of all unscripted projects in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel and science for all of the network’s platforms and National Geographic-produced Disney+ Originals. The newly-formed production company has several properties ready to go out to market across unscripted, scripted and brand projects.
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform,” said Hemsworth and Grayson. “Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive narratives that both entertain and shine a light on important issues around the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to tell highly impactful, important stories in the unscripted space backed...
- 9/29/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
National Geographic has closed a first-look deal with Chris Hemsworth and producer Ben Grayson’s newly formed Wild State, a multi-platform production company that develops scripted and unscripted content.
The duo are looking to create unscripted projects about adventure, exploration, travel and science for all of National Geographic’s platforms.
“Chris and Ben have been exceptional partners to work with, dedicated to creating and producing the most gripping unscripted programming,” said Tom McDonald, executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Programming for National Geographic Content, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to be entering into this long-term partnership with Wild State and can’t wait to build the next generation of blockbuster factual content with them.”
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform. Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive...
The duo are looking to create unscripted projects about adventure, exploration, travel and science for all of National Geographic’s platforms.
“Chris and Ben have been exceptional partners to work with, dedicated to creating and producing the most gripping unscripted programming,” said Tom McDonald, executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Programming for National Geographic Content, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to be entering into this long-term partnership with Wild State and can’t wait to build the next generation of blockbuster factual content with them.”
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform. Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive...
- 9/29/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Hemsworth and producer Ben Grayson’s newly formed Wild State has landed a first-look deal with National Geographic.
As part of the deal, Wild State will develop scripted and unscripted content for film, television and digital platforms. The unscripted projects will be in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel and science for National Geographic’s television platforms and National Geographic-produced Disney+ Originals.
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform,” said Hemsworth and Grayson in a joint statement. “Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive narratives that both entertain and shine a light on important issues around the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to tell highly impactful, important stories in the unscripted space backed by the support of the premier global conservation and environmental brand in Nat Geo.”
Also...
As part of the deal, Wild State will develop scripted and unscripted content for film, television and digital platforms. The unscripted projects will be in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel and science for National Geographic’s television platforms and National Geographic-produced Disney+ Originals.
“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform,” said Hemsworth and Grayson in a joint statement. “Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive narratives that both entertain and shine a light on important issues around the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to tell highly impactful, important stories in the unscripted space backed by the support of the premier global conservation and environmental brand in Nat Geo.”
Also...
- 9/29/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Pay TV company Sky’s drama-documentary series “The Royal Mob,” directed by Fraser McDonald, is shooting in Lithuania. The show tells the saga of an extended royal family that once ruled large parts of Europe, and how their loves, marriages and feuds triggered World War I, Film New Europe reports.
It’s a story told through the eyes of British monarch Queen Victoria’s four favorite granddaughters, the Hesse sisters, each of whom married into one of Europe’s most powerful royal courts. “The series will combine premium scripted drama with a host of expert historians to tell the tale of one of the most compelling, powerful yet dysfunctional families in history,” Sky said in a statement when the show was announced in May.
The shoot, which runs from July 4-30, is serviced by Baltic Film Services, and benefits from the Lithuanian Film Centre’s tax incentive scheme. The shoot...
It’s a story told through the eyes of British monarch Queen Victoria’s four favorite granddaughters, the Hesse sisters, each of whom married into one of Europe’s most powerful royal courts. “The series will combine premium scripted drama with a host of expert historians to tell the tale of one of the most compelling, powerful yet dysfunctional families in history,” Sky said in a statement when the show was announced in May.
The shoot, which runs from July 4-30, is serviced by Baltic Film Services, and benefits from the Lithuanian Film Centre’s tax incentive scheme. The shoot...
- 7/25/2022
- by Neringa Kažukauskaite
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official awards predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis; Awards Circuit Column, a weekly analysis dissecting the trends and contenders by television editor Michael Schneider (for Emmys) and Davis (for Oscars); Awards Circuit Podcast, a weekly interview series with talent and an expert roundtable discussion; and Awards Circuit Video analyzes various categories and contenders by Variety's leading awards pundits. Variety's unmatched coverage gives its readership unbeatable exposure in print and online, as well as provide inside reports on all the contenders in this year's awards season races.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Emmys Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Emmys Hub
To see old predictions and commentary,...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Emmys Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Emmys Hub
To see old predictions and commentary,...
- 7/9/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Big-budget non-fiction series from Will Smith, Darren Aronofsky, Jon Favreau, James Cameron and David Blaine make up Nat Geo’s latest slate for Disney+.
The factual giant has ordered 12 new series as part of its latest streaming lineup.
Following Welcome To Earth and One Strange Rock, Smith is returning to Nat Geo with Pole to Pole, a series that will see the King Richard star cover 26,000 miles from the South Pole to the North Pole. It comes from Smith’s Westbrook Studios, Jane Root’s Nutopia and Aronofsky’s Protoza.
The company has set eight new natural history series: Great Migrations, Home, Lion, Secrets Of The Elephants, Secrets Of The Octopus, Sentient, Super/Natural and The Biggest Little Farm Series.
Jon Favreau-created Lion follows a a single pride for four years and will use cutting-edge technology to explore the challenges facing an entire species. The Iron Man director exec produces the series,...
The factual giant has ordered 12 new series as part of its latest streaming lineup.
Following Welcome To Earth and One Strange Rock, Smith is returning to Nat Geo with Pole to Pole, a series that will see the King Richard star cover 26,000 miles from the South Pole to the North Pole. It comes from Smith’s Westbrook Studios, Jane Root’s Nutopia and Aronofsky’s Protoza.
The company has set eight new natural history series: Great Migrations, Home, Lion, Secrets Of The Elephants, Secrets Of The Octopus, Sentient, Super/Natural and The Biggest Little Farm Series.
Jon Favreau-created Lion follows a a single pride for four years and will use cutting-edge technology to explore the challenges facing an entire species. The Iron Man director exec produces the series,...
- 2/7/2022
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic is sending Will Smith to both ends of the Earth. The programmer announced Monday that it has ordered the non-fiction series “Pole to Pole,” which follows Smith on a journey from the South Pole to the North Pole.
“Pole to Pole” is part of an extensive slate of new content that Nat Geo is bringing to Disney Plus, which it revealed during its portion of the Television Critics Association winter press tour.
“Pole to Pole” will mark Smith’s third project with National Geographic after “Welcome to Earth” and “One Strange Rock.” The series covers an expansive journey spanning different biomes, communities and landscapes across the Earth. “Pole to Pole” is executive produced by Smith under his Westbrook banner, alongside Miguel Melendez and Terence Carter. For Nutopia, Jane Root and Peter Lovering are executive producers. For Protozoa, Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel are executive producers.
“At National Geographic,...
“Pole to Pole” is part of an extensive slate of new content that Nat Geo is bringing to Disney Plus, which it revealed during its portion of the Television Critics Association winter press tour.
“Pole to Pole” will mark Smith’s third project with National Geographic after “Welcome to Earth” and “One Strange Rock.” The series covers an expansive journey spanning different biomes, communities and landscapes across the Earth. “Pole to Pole” is executive produced by Smith under his Westbrook banner, alongside Miguel Melendez and Terence Carter. For Nutopia, Jane Root and Peter Lovering are executive producers. For Protozoa, Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel are executive producers.
“At National Geographic,...
- 2/7/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
That Nat Geo tile on Disney+ just upped its star power. At Monday’s Television Critics Association (TCA) Winter Press Tour, National Geographic unveiled 13 new original projects being produced for the streaming service, including shows from Will Smith, Jon Favreau and David Blaine.
Smith’s new series, “Pole to Pole,” comes under his Westbrook company’s first-look deal with Nat Geo. “Pole to Pole” follows Smith as he journeys 26,000 miles over 100 days from the South Pole to the North Pole.
Darren Aronofsky, James Cameron and Ron Howard/Brian Grazer are each overseeing a pair of new Disney+ programs under the Nat Geo banner. One of the projects from the Imagine duo will be Howard’s “We Feed People,” which premieres at SXSW ahead of its Memorial Day streaming launch. “We Feed People” follows chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen’s mission in the disaster relief sector.
One...
Smith’s new series, “Pole to Pole,” comes under his Westbrook company’s first-look deal with Nat Geo. “Pole to Pole” follows Smith as he journeys 26,000 miles over 100 days from the South Pole to the North Pole.
Darren Aronofsky, James Cameron and Ron Howard/Brian Grazer are each overseeing a pair of new Disney+ programs under the Nat Geo banner. One of the projects from the Imagine duo will be Howard’s “We Feed People,” which premieres at SXSW ahead of its Memorial Day streaming launch. “We Feed People” follows chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen’s mission in the disaster relief sector.
One...
- 2/7/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The Critics Choice Association (Cca) announced that Taye Diggs and Nicole Byer will co-host the 27th annual Critics Choice Awards, which air on The CW and TBS on Jan. 9, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Diggs is known for starring as Sam Bennett in the ABC medical drama “Private Practice.” Other prominent credits include appearing in the film “Brown Sugar” and the original Broadway production of “Rent.” Currently, he stars on The CW drama “All American.”
Byer first broke out with her appearance on MTV’s “Girl Code” and has since become known for hosting the competition series “Nailed It!” and “Wiped Out!,” the podcast “Why Won’t You Date Me?,” and appearing in supporting and recurring roles in comedy series such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Tuca & Berie.” Most recently, she debuted her Netflix comedy special “Nicole Byer: Bbw (Big Beautiful Weirdo).” Up next, she stars on NBC’s “Grand Crew.”
“This is...
Diggs is known for starring as Sam Bennett in the ABC medical drama “Private Practice.” Other prominent credits include appearing in the film “Brown Sugar” and the original Broadway production of “Rent.” Currently, he stars on The CW drama “All American.”
Byer first broke out with her appearance on MTV’s “Girl Code” and has since become known for hosting the competition series “Nailed It!” and “Wiped Out!,” the podcast “Why Won’t You Date Me?,” and appearing in supporting and recurring roles in comedy series such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Tuca & Berie.” Most recently, she debuted her Netflix comedy special “Nicole Byer: Bbw (Big Beautiful Weirdo).” Up next, she stars on NBC’s “Grand Crew.”
“This is...
- 12/10/2021
- by Selome Hailu and Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: What do Will Smith, Chris Hemsworth and Jeff Goldblum have in common? They are driving a revolution in factual programming led by the world’s biggest stars, and this revolution is being steered by one company above all: Jane Root’s Nutopia.
The Washington/London indie’s Co-founder Jane Root has spent recent months overseeing Disney+ trio The World According to Jeff Goldblum season two, which dropped in November, Smith’s Welcome to Earth, coming tomorrow, and Limitless With Chris Hemsworth, which is slated for next year.
Leading this talent through factual adventures has been a whirlwind but Root stressed that Nutopia didn’t go out of its way to ensure A-list-led docs were a specialism.
“We were never like ‘let’s become a company purely working with these amazing people’,” she told Deadline. “It really crept up on us, through following a sense of what was interesting.”
Smith’s Welcome To Earth,...
The Washington/London indie’s Co-founder Jane Root has spent recent months overseeing Disney+ trio The World According to Jeff Goldblum season two, which dropped in November, Smith’s Welcome to Earth, coming tomorrow, and Limitless With Chris Hemsworth, which is slated for next year.
Leading this talent through factual adventures has been a whirlwind but Root stressed that Nutopia didn’t go out of its way to ensure A-list-led docs were a specialism.
“We were never like ‘let’s become a company purely working with these amazing people’,” she told Deadline. “It really crept up on us, through following a sense of what was interesting.”
Smith’s Welcome To Earth,...
- 12/7/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The World According to Jeff Goldblum producer Nutopia is bolstering its executive team in the U.S. with the hire of former Nat Geo executive Geoff Daniels.
Daniels, who was previously EVP, Global Unscripted Entertainment at the Disney-owned factual broadcaster, will become EVP, Unscripted Entertainment at Jane Root’s Nutopia.
He will work across all series in production, manage program marketing and help to liaise with Nutopia’s production partners and talent. Based in the U.S., he will report to founder and CEO Root.
Daniels, who left Nat Geo as part of a broader restructure across Disney in December, previously oversaw all development and production for unscripted programming for National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo on Disney+. He commissioned Nutopia series The World According to Jeff Goldblum and Chris Hemsworth’s Limitless. Before that, launched Nat Geo Wild and helped grow the network with series...
Daniels, who was previously EVP, Global Unscripted Entertainment at the Disney-owned factual broadcaster, will become EVP, Unscripted Entertainment at Jane Root’s Nutopia.
He will work across all series in production, manage program marketing and help to liaise with Nutopia’s production partners and talent. Based in the U.S., he will report to founder and CEO Root.
Daniels, who left Nat Geo as part of a broader restructure across Disney in December, previously oversaw all development and production for unscripted programming for National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo on Disney+. He commissioned Nutopia series The World According to Jeff Goldblum and Chris Hemsworth’s Limitless. Before that, launched Nat Geo Wild and helped grow the network with series...
- 9/1/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has given a two-season order to a hybrid docuseries about African Queens, from Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Nutopia, with Pinkett Smith set to executive produce.
Written by Peres Owino (Bound: Africans vs African-Americans) and NneNne Iwuji (Yellow), the as-yet untitled series will focus on a different queen each season — starting with Cleopatra in Season 1 and Njinga in Season 2 — blending expert interviews and other documentary content with premium scripted docudrama/re-enactments.
“As the mother of a young Black woman, it is immensely important to me that she learns the lessons of the African Queens who paved the way for our success and the success of generations of Black women,” said Pinkett Smith. “I am very passionate and excited about bringing the stories and lessons of these powerful women to light in order to showcase their strength, leadership, and undeniable influence on history.”
The...
Written by Peres Owino (Bound: Africans vs African-Americans) and NneNne Iwuji (Yellow), the as-yet untitled series will focus on a different queen each season — starting with Cleopatra in Season 1 and Njinga in Season 2 — blending expert interviews and other documentary content with premium scripted docudrama/re-enactments.
“As the mother of a young Black woman, it is immensely important to me that she learns the lessons of the African Queens who paved the way for our success and the success of generations of Black women,” said Pinkett Smith. “I am very passionate and excited about bringing the stories and lessons of these powerful women to light in order to showcase their strength, leadership, and undeniable influence on history.”
The...
- 8/26/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios has signed a five-year first-look TV deal for unscripted content with Nat Geo.
The deal comes ahead of Smith’s Nat Geo-produced docuseries “Welcome to Earth,” which debuts later this year. The five-year deal encompasses the development of all unscripted projects in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel and science for all of National Geographic’s television platforms and National Geographic-produced Disney+ Originals.
“Having spent the past two years working with Will and the team at Westbrook Studios (along with Darren Aronofsky and Nutopia) on ‘Welcome to Earth,’ we are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with them and entering into a long-term partnership to produce blockbuster nonfiction content,” Courteney Monroe, president of National Geographic Content, said. “Will and Westbrook share our passion for telling bold, best-in-class stories that ignite curiosity and inspire people to explore and care about our world, and we can’t...
The deal comes ahead of Smith’s Nat Geo-produced docuseries “Welcome to Earth,” which debuts later this year. The five-year deal encompasses the development of all unscripted projects in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel and science for all of National Geographic’s television platforms and National Geographic-produced Disney+ Originals.
“Having spent the past two years working with Will and the team at Westbrook Studios (along with Darren Aronofsky and Nutopia) on ‘Welcome to Earth,’ we are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with them and entering into a long-term partnership to produce blockbuster nonfiction content,” Courteney Monroe, president of National Geographic Content, said. “Will and Westbrook share our passion for telling bold, best-in-class stories that ignite curiosity and inspire people to explore and care about our world, and we can’t...
- 8/18/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
National Geographic is expanding its unscripted slate with greenlights for three new series — Life Below Zero: First Alaskans, a spinoff of the Emmy-winning Life Below Zero franchise, Appetite for Adventure with BBQ pitmaster Big Moe Cason, and The 7 Toughest Days on Earth with adventurer and explorer Dwayne Fields from One Strange Rock producers Nutopia. Additionally, Nat Geo has given an early Season 3 renewal to Emmy-nominated docuseries Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller. Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Content, announced the news during Nat Geo’s TCA session Tuesday.
“These new series are exciting additions to our stable of popular, returnable, scalable series led by charismatic personalities,” said Monroe. “The talent at the center of each of these series have unique voices and perspectives that will undoubtedly inspire the explorer in all of us.”
The three new series will also have a second window on Disney+.
Life Below Zero: First Alaskans expands...
“These new series are exciting additions to our stable of popular, returnable, scalable series led by charismatic personalities,” said Monroe. “The talent at the center of each of these series have unique voices and perspectives that will undoubtedly inspire the explorer in all of us.”
The three new series will also have a second window on Disney+.
Life Below Zero: First Alaskans expands...
- 8/18/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic has renewed “Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller” for a third season ahead of its second season premiere, which comes Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. Additionally, the network ordered three new unscripted series: “Life Below Zero: First Alaskans,” “The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” and “Appetite for Adventures.”
The second season of “Trafficked” was produced amid the Covid-19 pandemic and consists of 10 new episodes; the third season will begin production this fall. Each episode of the series will continue to follow the titular Peabody and duPont Award-winning journalist as she works her way inside a black market or trafficking network to expose the business, the players and the inner workings of the shadow economy. In Season 2, those businesses include romance scams, a meth superhighway, California’s marijuana black market, a stolen car smuggling route, outlaw motorcycle gangs, black market plastic surgery, supremacy, and more.
“Filming a whole season of ‘Trafficked’ during...
The second season of “Trafficked” was produced amid the Covid-19 pandemic and consists of 10 new episodes; the third season will begin production this fall. Each episode of the series will continue to follow the titular Peabody and duPont Award-winning journalist as she works her way inside a black market or trafficking network to expose the business, the players and the inner workings of the shadow economy. In Season 2, those businesses include romance scams, a meth superhighway, California’s marijuana black market, a stolen car smuggling route, outlaw motorcycle gangs, black market plastic surgery, supremacy, and more.
“Filming a whole season of ‘Trafficked’ during...
- 8/18/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Nat Geo has ordered a third “Life Below Zero” spinoff, “Life Below Zero: First Alaskans.” Additionally, the cable channel ordered two new series, “The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” and “Appetite for Adventure,” and renewed “Trafficked With Mariana Van Zeller,” National Geographic Content President Courteney Monroe announced Wednesday at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour.
Monroe also revealed the second season of Van Zeller’s Emmy-nominated series will premiere Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
“Life Below Zero: First Alaskans” is the first nonfiction series on National Geographic Channel centered on a cast of Native Alaskans. It also includes representation on the production team, Nat Geo said.
“The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” stars Dwayne Fields, the first Black British citizen to conquer the magnetic north pole, as he aims to survive the most extreme elements on the planet. On “Appetite for Adventure,” BBQ pitmaster and former U.S. Navy veteran...
Monroe also revealed the second season of Van Zeller’s Emmy-nominated series will premiere Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
“Life Below Zero: First Alaskans” is the first nonfiction series on National Geographic Channel centered on a cast of Native Alaskans. It also includes representation on the production team, Nat Geo said.
“The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” stars Dwayne Fields, the first Black British citizen to conquer the magnetic north pole, as he aims to survive the most extreme elements on the planet. On “Appetite for Adventure,” BBQ pitmaster and former U.S. Navy veteran...
- 8/18/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The Producers Guild of America will present “Producing During Unprecedented Times: Reflections from Today’s Leading Producers” at the 60th Monte-Carlo Television Festival that starts this weekend.
The curated conversations, in which producers explore the challenges they faced getting their shows made during the Covid-19 pandemic, detail how they learned to work within the myriad global safety regulations, and how their ability to pivot during these uncertain times may end up changing business models moving forward.
Participants include:
Bradley Bell, president of Bell-Phillip Television Productions, who’s the nine-time Emmy-winning producer and head writer of The Bold and the Beautiful Producer Yolanda Cochran had three scripted shows that were in mid-season or were about to start that were interrupted by the shutdown: The Astronauts, which was shot in Vancouver and was among the very first to return to production there; Danger Force, which shot in Los Angeles,...
The curated conversations, in which producers explore the challenges they faced getting their shows made during the Covid-19 pandemic, detail how they learned to work within the myriad global safety regulations, and how their ability to pivot during these uncertain times may end up changing business models moving forward.
Participants include:
Bradley Bell, president of Bell-Phillip Television Productions, who’s the nine-time Emmy-winning producer and head writer of The Bold and the Beautiful Producer Yolanda Cochran had three scripted shows that were in mid-season or were about to start that were interrupted by the shutdown: The Astronauts, which was shot in Vancouver and was among the very first to return to production there; Danger Force, which shot in Los Angeles,...
- 6/14/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The global television marketplace has come through an unprecedented 18-month period of moving and shaking as the structural shift to direct-to-consumer streaming collided head-on with pandemic lockdown conditions around the world.
As the industry regroups for 2021 and gathers this week for the annual NATPE conference, held in virtual form this year, the largest U.S.-based media giants are squarely focused on international markets as the primary engine of growth for vertically integrated streaming behemoths. This transformation for Disney, Comcast, WarnerMedia and others has led to the perception that the largest studios are largely out of the business of licensing content on a country- or region-wide basis.
But in fact, the dealmaking environment for content owners is more dynamic, albeit more complicated, than ever.
“The international (market) has not slowed down for us. There’s so much demand for our shows — new shows, library content,” said Dan Cohen, president of ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.
As the industry regroups for 2021 and gathers this week for the annual NATPE conference, held in virtual form this year, the largest U.S.-based media giants are squarely focused on international markets as the primary engine of growth for vertically integrated streaming behemoths. This transformation for Disney, Comcast, WarnerMedia and others has led to the perception that the largest studios are largely out of the business of licensing content on a country- or region-wide basis.
But in fact, the dealmaking environment for content owners is more dynamic, albeit more complicated, than ever.
“The international (market) has not slowed down for us. There’s so much demand for our shows — new shows, library content,” said Dan Cohen, president of ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.
- 1/19/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The past year has been the best of times and also the toughest of times for producers in the hunt for international co-production partners.
That was the sentiment shared by four industry veterans who gathered Dec. 10 for a virtual panel, “Betting on International Co-Productions: The Path Forward,” presented by the Producers Guild of America and Monte Carlo Television Festival and moderated by Variety co-editor in chief Cynthia Littleton.
The global demand for original content is showing no signs of slowing down. Prior to the pandemic, there were ample opportunities to assemble co-productions for traditional buyers. But the coronavirus clampdown has accelerated trends for the largest TV and streaming players that make it harder for producers work with multiple partners.
“It’s always like pushing a boulder up a hill to find the right partners,” said Christian Vesper, president of global drama for Fremantle. “Over the last nine months with the...
That was the sentiment shared by four industry veterans who gathered Dec. 10 for a virtual panel, “Betting on International Co-Productions: The Path Forward,” presented by the Producers Guild of America and Monte Carlo Television Festival and moderated by Variety co-editor in chief Cynthia Littleton.
The global demand for original content is showing no signs of slowing down. Prior to the pandemic, there were ample opportunities to assemble co-productions for traditional buyers. But the coronavirus clampdown has accelerated trends for the largest TV and streaming players that make it harder for producers work with multiple partners.
“It’s always like pushing a boulder up a hill to find the right partners,” said Christian Vesper, president of global drama for Fremantle. “Over the last nine months with the...
- 12/14/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin Vivendi’s 2020 finances are up 2.4%, the Young Artist Academy announces this year’s award recipients, All3Media picks up “A World of Calm,” West End Films sells “Rams” in key territories and Fremantle promotes Seb Shorr.
Finance
In a year marked by the coronavirus pandemic, Vivendi saw its consolidated revenues go up by 2.4% to €11.6 billion ($13.7 billion) during the first nine months of 2020, and up 1.3 % during the third quarter.
The group’s subscription-based activities, especially at Universal Music Group and to a lesser extent Canal Plus Group, have bolstered Vivendi’s revenues. Canal Plus Group’s revenues were up 6.6% for the first nine months of 2020 and up 7.3% for the third quarter of 2020. The company’s international activities grew a strong pace with revenues from international operations rising by 27.4%. The addition of 1.2 million subscribers around the world, and the integration of M7, a leading pay-tv company in Europe...
Finance
In a year marked by the coronavirus pandemic, Vivendi saw its consolidated revenues go up by 2.4% to €11.6 billion ($13.7 billion) during the first nine months of 2020, and up 1.3 % during the third quarter.
The group’s subscription-based activities, especially at Universal Music Group and to a lesser extent Canal Plus Group, have bolstered Vivendi’s revenues. Canal Plus Group’s revenues were up 6.6% for the first nine months of 2020 and up 7.3% for the third quarter of 2020. The company’s international activities grew a strong pace with revenues from international operations rising by 27.4%. The addition of 1.2 million subscribers around the world, and the integration of M7, a leading pay-tv company in Europe...
- 10/21/2020
- by Jamie Lang and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Hemsworth will headline summer 2021’s SharkFest on Nat Geo with “Shark Beach.”
The “Avengers” star will embark on a “once-in-a-lifetime” mission to investigate the measures put in place to safeguard humankind’s co-existence with sharks and to uncover the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in Australia. “Shark Beach” will be produced by Nutopia.
Joined by the world’s preeminent shark experts — including surfers, conservationists, shark advocates and marine biologists — Hemsworth begins his journey in his own backyard, Byron Bay, Australia. Here, he uncovers the reasons for increased shark attacks so close to home in recent years. Hemsworth joins local biologists to explore how existing preventative measures work to stave off shark-human encounters and dives with different species of sharks to understand their behaviors and power. He also uncovers the latest breakthroughs in shark science technology designed to protect both sharks and humans.
Also Read: Nat...
The “Avengers” star will embark on a “once-in-a-lifetime” mission to investigate the measures put in place to safeguard humankind’s co-existence with sharks and to uncover the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in Australia. “Shark Beach” will be produced by Nutopia.
Joined by the world’s preeminent shark experts — including surfers, conservationists, shark advocates and marine biologists — Hemsworth begins his journey in his own backyard, Byron Bay, Australia. Here, he uncovers the reasons for increased shark attacks so close to home in recent years. Hemsworth joins local biologists to explore how existing preventative measures work to stave off shark-human encounters and dives with different species of sharks to understand their behaviors and power. He also uncovers the latest breakthroughs in shark science technology designed to protect both sharks and humans.
Also Read: Nat...
- 8/3/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Three weeks into Sharkfest 2020, National Geographic is already looking ahead to Sharkfest 2021. The network has given a green light to Shark Beach (working title) a Sharkfest 2021 premiere special, with Thor and The Avengers star Chris Hemsworth to star and executive produce. The announcement was made Monday during Nat Geo’s virtual summer TCA press tour presentation.
In Shark Beach (wt), from Nutopia, Hemsworth investigates the measures put in place to safeguard our co-existence and to uncover the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in Australia.
In the special, Hemsworth, surfer and renowned environmentalist, joins local biologists to explore how existing preventative measures work to stave off shark-human encounters and dives with different species of sharks to understand their behaviors and power. He also uncovers the latest breakthroughs in shark science technology designed to protect both sharks and humans.
In Shark Beach (wt), from Nutopia, Hemsworth investigates the measures put in place to safeguard our co-existence and to uncover the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in Australia.
In the special, Hemsworth, surfer and renowned environmentalist, joins local biologists to explore how existing preventative measures work to stave off shark-human encounters and dives with different species of sharks to understand their behaviors and power. He also uncovers the latest breakthroughs in shark science technology designed to protect both sharks and humans.
- 8/3/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max wants to help you sleep, and it’s enlisting Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves, and a handful of other celebrities to make it happen.
WarnerMedia’s streaming service has ordered “A World of Calm,” an adaptation of the popular Calm app, which offers various stories for relaxation and sleep aid. Here’s the series’ synopsis, per HBO Max: A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world.
Building on the record-breaking success of Calm’s Sleep Stories — bedtime stories for grown-ups with over 250 million listens — each relaxing tale is designed to transform how you feel. Transporting the viewer into tranquility through scientifically-engineered narratives, enchanting music and astounding footage, to naturally calm your body and soothe the mind. Each story is brought to life by a different iconic voice.
Those voices include Oscar Isaac, Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz,...
WarnerMedia’s streaming service has ordered “A World of Calm,” an adaptation of the popular Calm app, which offers various stories for relaxation and sleep aid. Here’s the series’ synopsis, per HBO Max: A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world.
Building on the record-breaking success of Calm’s Sleep Stories — bedtime stories for grown-ups with over 250 million listens — each relaxing tale is designed to transform how you feel. Transporting the viewer into tranquility through scientifically-engineered narratives, enchanting music and astounding footage, to naturally calm your body and soothe the mind. Each story is brought to life by a different iconic voice.
Those voices include Oscar Isaac, Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz,...
- 7/17/2020
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Amid a pandemic that is ravaging the United States, HBO Max wants to help everyone relax, enlisting celebrities like Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba and Oscar Isaac to read bedtime stories, in a new series done in partnership with the sleep app Calm.
Described as a “television experience that combines mesmeric imagery with narration,” the series, titled “A World of Calm” is a collaboration between the makers of Calm and Nutopia, the team behind Nat Geo’s “One Strange Rock.”
Additional celebrities include Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, Lucy Liu, Cillian Murphy, and Keanu Reeves.
Also Read: Michael Che to Star in Sketch Comedy Series at HBO Max
Here’s how HBO Max describes the series:
A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world. Building on the record-breaking success of Calm’s Sleep Stories – bedtime stories for grown ups with...
Described as a “television experience that combines mesmeric imagery with narration,” the series, titled “A World of Calm” is a collaboration between the makers of Calm and Nutopia, the team behind Nat Geo’s “One Strange Rock.”
Additional celebrities include Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, Lucy Liu, Cillian Murphy, and Keanu Reeves.
Also Read: Michael Che to Star in Sketch Comedy Series at HBO Max
Here’s how HBO Max describes the series:
A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world. Building on the record-breaking success of Calm’s Sleep Stories – bedtime stories for grown ups with...
- 7/16/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
During these turbulent times, HBO Max wants you to just … relax. The streamer has ordered A World of Calm, a series based on the popular app and narrated by a slew of big names.
The 10-episode order co-produced by Calm and Nutopia is HBO Max’s first brush with the health and wellness space. From the creators of the Calm app and Nutopia, the series combines mesmeric imagery with narration by A-list stars – including Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba, Oscar Isaac, Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, Lucy Liu, Cillian Murphy, and Keanu Reeves.
Here’s the logline: A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world. Building on Calm’s Sleep Stories – bedtime stories for grown-ups – each relaxing tale is designed to transform how you feel. Viewers will be transported into tranquility through scientifically engineered narratives, enchanting music and astounding footage...
The 10-episode order co-produced by Calm and Nutopia is HBO Max’s first brush with the health and wellness space. From the creators of the Calm app and Nutopia, the series combines mesmeric imagery with narration by A-list stars – including Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba, Oscar Isaac, Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, Lucy Liu, Cillian Murphy, and Keanu Reeves.
Here’s the logline: A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world. Building on Calm’s Sleep Stories – bedtime stories for grown-ups – each relaxing tale is designed to transform how you feel. Viewers will be transported into tranquility through scientifically engineered narratives, enchanting music and astounding footage...
- 7/16/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Ever dreamed of having Mahershala Ali, Keanu Reeves or Nicole Kidman help you drift off to sleep? Well HBO Max is helping make those dreams become a reality.
The streamer has issued a 10-episode order for a new series called “A World of Calm,” which “combines mesmeric imagery with narration by A-list stars” to bring relaxation to the audience. “A World of Calm,” which represents HBO Max’s first foray into the health and wellness space, is the result of a collaboration between the makers of the highly popular sleep app Calm and Nutopia, the team behind Nat Geo’s “One Strange Rock” series.
Each half-hour episode of the show will feature a relaxing tale designed to transform how the viewer (or listener if you have your eyes closed) feels. The aim is to “transport the viewer into tranquility through scientifically-engineered narratives, enchanting music and astounding footage, to naturally calm...
The streamer has issued a 10-episode order for a new series called “A World of Calm,” which “combines mesmeric imagery with narration by A-list stars” to bring relaxation to the audience. “A World of Calm,” which represents HBO Max’s first foray into the health and wellness space, is the result of a collaboration between the makers of the highly popular sleep app Calm and Nutopia, the team behind Nat Geo’s “One Strange Rock” series.
Each half-hour episode of the show will feature a relaxing tale designed to transform how the viewer (or listener if you have your eyes closed) feels. The aim is to “transport the viewer into tranquility through scientifically-engineered narratives, enchanting music and astounding footage, to naturally calm...
- 7/16/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jane Root’s Nutopia has hired Matt Edmonds, a former executive at Sacha Baron Cohen’s production company Spelthorne Community TV, as it ramps up its move to broaden its factual programming slate.
Edmonds, who was previously Head of Factual Entertainment at the company, which the Who Is America? star established with Andrew Newman in 2015, joins in the new role of Vice President of Unscripted Formats.
He worked on the Showtime series as well as titles such as Let’s Talk About Sex and before that worked at Rumpus Media, where he co-created shows such as BBC and Netflix’s Asian Provocateur with Romesh Ranganathan and Comedy Central and Netflix’s Joel and Nish vs The World.
Edmonds has been tasked with expanding the company’s slate of popular factual series and formats. Best known for making large scale premium docs, the company’s recent orders including Babies for Netflix,...
Edmonds, who was previously Head of Factual Entertainment at the company, which the Who Is America? star established with Andrew Newman in 2015, joins in the new role of Vice President of Unscripted Formats.
He worked on the Showtime series as well as titles such as Let’s Talk About Sex and before that worked at Rumpus Media, where he co-created shows such as BBC and Netflix’s Asian Provocateur with Romesh Ranganathan and Comedy Central and Netflix’s Joel and Nish vs The World.
Edmonds has been tasked with expanding the company’s slate of popular factual series and formats. Best known for making large scale premium docs, the company’s recent orders including Babies for Netflix,...
- 6/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO and Sky’s nuclear drama “Chernobyl” has emerged as the frontrunner at this year’s Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards and British Academy Television Craft Awards with 14 nominations.
“Chernobyl’s” impressive haul matches “Killing Eve’s” record 14 BAFTA nods last year, making it the most nominated show in the history of the awards.
“Chernobyl’s” nominations span multiple categories in the TV and craft awards: costume design, director fiction, editing fiction, make-up and hair design, original music, photography and lighting fiction, production design, scripted casting, sound fiction, special, visual and graphic effects, writer (drama), leading actor (for Jared Harris), mini-series and supporting actor (for Stellan Skarsgard).
Meanwhile, Netflix hit “The Crown” follows with seven BAFTA nods, while Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s BBC and Amazon-backed comedy “Fleabag” and BBC and Netflix thriller “Giri/Haji” have six each.
BBC and HBO’s Philip Pullman adaptation “His Dark Materials” and Channel 4...
“Chernobyl’s” impressive haul matches “Killing Eve’s” record 14 BAFTA nods last year, making it the most nominated show in the history of the awards.
“Chernobyl’s” nominations span multiple categories in the TV and craft awards: costume design, director fiction, editing fiction, make-up and hair design, original music, photography and lighting fiction, production design, scripted casting, sound fiction, special, visual and graphic effects, writer (drama), leading actor (for Jared Harris), mini-series and supporting actor (for Stellan Skarsgard).
Meanwhile, Netflix hit “The Crown” follows with seven BAFTA nods, while Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s BBC and Amazon-backed comedy “Fleabag” and BBC and Netflix thriller “Giri/Haji” have six each.
BBC and HBO’s Philip Pullman adaptation “His Dark Materials” and Channel 4...
- 6/4/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
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