Vue Names Ian Fraser As Chair
Former Kwik Fit CEO Ian Fraser is the new Non-Exec Chairman of British cinema chain Vue. He succeeds Stella David, who is exiting to run gambling biz Entail. Fraser is currently working for infrastructure business M Group Services, but is best known as CEO of car servicing business Kwik Fit and COO of Orange UK. He takes up his new post on June 1, leading a non-exec board also including Katrina Cliffe, Henry Birch and Tom Singer and working alongside Vue CEO Tim Richards, CFO Alison Cornwell and COO Matt Eyre. Vue recently underwent a debt restructuring that saw about £50M ($63.5M) of debt converted into equity. This came after The Hollywood labor strikes, which hit cinema operators hard. However, the likes of Dune: Part Two and Kung Fu Panda 4 have helped the sector bounce back in 2024. UK-based Vue has well over 200 multiplexes in Europe and Taiwan.
Former Kwik Fit CEO Ian Fraser is the new Non-Exec Chairman of British cinema chain Vue. He succeeds Stella David, who is exiting to run gambling biz Entail. Fraser is currently working for infrastructure business M Group Services, but is best known as CEO of car servicing business Kwik Fit and COO of Orange UK. He takes up his new post on June 1, leading a non-exec board also including Katrina Cliffe, Henry Birch and Tom Singer and working alongside Vue CEO Tim Richards, CFO Alison Cornwell and COO Matt Eyre. Vue recently underwent a debt restructuring that saw about £50M ($63.5M) of debt converted into equity. This came after The Hollywood labor strikes, which hit cinema operators hard. However, the likes of Dune: Part Two and Kung Fu Panda 4 have helped the sector bounce back in 2024. UK-based Vue has well over 200 multiplexes in Europe and Taiwan.
- 5/23/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is not shying away from artificial intelligence or the U.S. tech giants, according to its Director General.
Delivering a Royal Television Society set-piece this morning in London, Davie made working with tech giants and harnessing the controversial tech central to his plan to “radically transform and renew” the 100-year-old institution, while also putting forward the case for a “progressive” license fee.
“We will proactively deploy AI on our terms, always holding on to our published principles,” Davie said, laying down a marker. “Never compromising human creative control, supporting rights holders and sustaining our editorial standards, but proactively launching tools that help us build relevance.”
Davie, who has now been in post for three-and-a-half years, revealed that the BBC is working with “a number of major tech companies on BBC-specific pilots” and the “most promising” will be launched over the coming months.
“Our ambition is significant,” he added.
Delivering a Royal Television Society set-piece this morning in London, Davie made working with tech giants and harnessing the controversial tech central to his plan to “radically transform and renew” the 100-year-old institution, while also putting forward the case for a “progressive” license fee.
“We will proactively deploy AI on our terms, always holding on to our published principles,” Davie said, laying down a marker. “Never compromising human creative control, supporting rights holders and sustaining our editorial standards, but proactively launching tools that help us build relevance.”
Davie, who has now been in post for three-and-a-half years, revealed that the BBC is working with “a number of major tech companies on BBC-specific pilots” and the “most promising” will be launched over the coming months.
“Our ambition is significant,” he added.
- 3/26/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios has acquired Werner Film Productions, the company behind Australian drama hit The Newsreader.
BBC Studios Productions Australia paid an undisclosed amount for Warner, marking the latest in several high-profile deals for the BBC’s commercial division. Last month, it paid £255M ($325M) for ITV’s share in their streamer, BritBox International.
The Werner deal is billed as “a significant investment” in Australia’s production ecosystem, and comes soon after BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell confirmed the BBC company was raising its debt facility to £600M as it seeks to invest in new business and double its size by 2027/28.
Werner is best known making ABC drama series The Newsreader, which stars Anna Torv and Sam Reid as an embattled anchorwoman and an ambitious reporter who confront studio politics and their own issues during the 1980s, in association with eOne. The series has won multiple Logies and Aacta awards and season three is currently filming.
BBC Studios Productions Australia paid an undisclosed amount for Warner, marking the latest in several high-profile deals for the BBC’s commercial division. Last month, it paid £255M ($325M) for ITV’s share in their streamer, BritBox International.
The Werner deal is billed as “a significant investment” in Australia’s production ecosystem, and comes soon after BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell confirmed the BBC company was raising its debt facility to £600M as it seeks to invest in new business and double its size by 2027/28.
Werner is best known making ABC drama series The Newsreader, which stars Anna Torv and Sam Reid as an embattled anchorwoman and an ambitious reporter who confront studio politics and their own issues during the 1980s, in association with eOne. The series has won multiple Logies and Aacta awards and season three is currently filming.
- 3/18/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadcasting House, the headquarters of the BBC, as it appeared in 2014.
AMC Networks and BBC Studios are bringing the 24-hour international channel BBC News to free, ad-supported streaming platforms in the United States.
Starting this week, BBC News will land on Dish Network’s Sling Freestream, Samsung TV Plus, Paramount Global’s Pluto TV, Comcast’s Xumo Play, Vizio’s WatchFree Plus and Plex.
AMC has the exclusive distribution license to BBC News in the United States, with the channel mostly available on cable, satellite and some streaming cable TV replacements over the past decade. The addition of BBC News on free, ad-supported streaming services marks the first time the channel has been offered in the United States beyond the traditional pay TV bundle.
“This is a significant milestone for the BBC as this launch will more than double the current reach and availability of the BBC News channel in the U.
AMC Networks and BBC Studios are bringing the 24-hour international channel BBC News to free, ad-supported streaming platforms in the United States.
Starting this week, BBC News will land on Dish Network’s Sling Freestream, Samsung TV Plus, Paramount Global’s Pluto TV, Comcast’s Xumo Play, Vizio’s WatchFree Plus and Plex.
AMC has the exclusive distribution license to BBC News in the United States, with the channel mostly available on cable, satellite and some streaming cable TV replacements over the past decade. The addition of BBC News on free, ad-supported streaming services marks the first time the channel has been offered in the United States beyond the traditional pay TV bundle.
“This is a significant milestone for the BBC as this launch will more than double the current reach and availability of the BBC News channel in the U.
- 3/13/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
BBC Studios is increasing its debt facility by £250M ($318M) — a move that closely follows the acquisition of BritBox International, its biggest ever single transaction.
The agreement with a consortium of commercial banks brings the debt facility to £600M, up from £250M in 2022, the Financial Times reported. A plan to invest heavily in several areas such as family television will push down profitability this year, but will leave it well set to double revenues by 2027/28, as planned, BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell told the Ft.
BBC Studios has government permission to increase this to £750M by 2027 if needed. Last year, Fussell told Deadline that while the BBC’s commercial wing had not gone over its previous £350M borrowing limit, “we have plans in due course to do so.”
On Friday, BBC Studios confirmed it had bought ITV out of their joint venture streamer BritBox International for £255M — a huge investment...
The agreement with a consortium of commercial banks brings the debt facility to £600M, up from £250M in 2022, the Financial Times reported. A plan to invest heavily in several areas such as family television will push down profitability this year, but will leave it well set to double revenues by 2027/28, as planned, BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell told the Ft.
BBC Studios has government permission to increase this to £750M by 2027 if needed. Last year, Fussell told Deadline that while the BBC’s commercial wing had not gone over its previous £350M borrowing limit, “we have plans in due course to do so.”
On Friday, BBC Studios confirmed it had bought ITV out of their joint venture streamer BritBox International for £255M — a huge investment...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
In a move reminiscent of Hulu’s latest dealings, BritBox is now coming under the control of a single company.
It’s a little strange to see streaming services that are controlled by more than one company these days. Hulu, for example, is finally in the process of coming under the full ownership of Disney, after years of being split between that company, Fox and Comcast. The journey of BritBox from multiple owners to one has been far swifter, as BBC Studios has announced it has acquired ITV’s 50% stake in the international arm of British-focused streaming platform.
BBC Studios paid $322 million for ITV’s stake in BritBox. Extended licensing agreements will keep ITV content available to stream on Britbox for years to come. A change in ownership could signal big incoming changes for BritBox. 7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com
BBC Studios, which is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC British public service broadcaster,...
It’s a little strange to see streaming services that are controlled by more than one company these days. Hulu, for example, is finally in the process of coming under the full ownership of Disney, after years of being split between that company, Fox and Comcast. The journey of BritBox from multiple owners to one has been far swifter, as BBC Studios has announced it has acquired ITV’s 50% stake in the international arm of British-focused streaming platform.
BBC Studios paid $322 million for ITV’s stake in BritBox. Extended licensing agreements will keep ITV content available to stream on Britbox for years to come. A change in ownership could signal big incoming changes for BritBox. 7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com
BBC Studios, which is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC British public service broadcaster,...
- 3/1/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
BBC Studios has bought out ITV’s 50% interest in streamer BritBox International in a deal worth £255m.
The landmark move gives BBC Studios sole ownership of the previously joint venture platform, which has a subscriber base of around 3.8m across the various territories it operates.
After the transaction has completed it will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends of around £235m after tax to ITV.
BBC Studios will move BritBox International into its global media and streaming division to sit alongside other direct-to-consumer propositions including factual streamer BBC Select. The move will see current global chief executive Reemah Sakaan exiting the company.
The landmark move gives BBC Studios sole ownership of the previously joint venture platform, which has a subscriber base of around 3.8m across the various territories it operates.
After the transaction has completed it will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends of around £235m after tax to ITV.
BBC Studios will move BritBox International into its global media and streaming division to sit alongside other direct-to-consumer propositions including factual streamer BBC Select. The move will see current global chief executive Reemah Sakaan exiting the company.
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Britbox offers a wide variety of shows from the BBC, ITV and other content partners. (Courtesy image)
The British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) commercial arm BBC Studios is buying out peer broadcaster ITV’s stake in their streaming-focused joint venture Britbox International, the companies confirmed on Friday.
The announcement was made in a regulatory filing that affirmed BBC Studios will spend £225 million (around $321 million) to acquire ITV’s 50 percent stake in Britbox, giving BBC Studios full control of the streaming service.
As part of the deal, BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan will leave the company in the near future, with a new executive leadership team expected to be announced by the BBC in the coming days. She will remain with Britbox through the transitional period, the BBC said.
The deal values Britbox International at just north of £500 million (around $631 million).
“This is an important acquisition for us,” Tom Fussell, the CEO of BBC Studios,...
The British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) commercial arm BBC Studios is buying out peer broadcaster ITV’s stake in their streaming-focused joint venture Britbox International, the companies confirmed on Friday.
The announcement was made in a regulatory filing that affirmed BBC Studios will spend £225 million (around $321 million) to acquire ITV’s 50 percent stake in Britbox, giving BBC Studios full control of the streaming service.
As part of the deal, BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan will leave the company in the near future, with a new executive leadership team expected to be announced by the BBC in the coming days. She will remain with Britbox through the transitional period, the BBC said.
The deal values Britbox International at just north of £500 million (around $631 million).
“This is an important acquisition for us,” Tom Fussell, the CEO of BBC Studios,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial content studio and streaming business, is acquiring ITV’s 50 percent stake in BritBox International for $322 million.
The deal, announced Friday, will give BBC Studios full ownership of the BritBox streaming platform and values the streamer at $631 million. As part of the agreement, BBC Studios has extended its licensing agreements with ITV to ensure that the latter company’s British content will continue to appear on BritBox.
BBC Studios said that BritBox will become part of the company’s Global Media and Streaming division, complementing its expanding portfolio of digital and direct-to-consumer services that includes BBC.com, BBC Select, the BBC’s premium ad-free doc streaming service in North America and BBC Podcast Premium, an audio service available in more than 160 countries.
“This is an important acquisition for us. We are taking full ownership of a successful, growing service we know well and that fits...
The deal, announced Friday, will give BBC Studios full ownership of the BritBox streaming platform and values the streamer at $631 million. As part of the agreement, BBC Studios has extended its licensing agreements with ITV to ensure that the latter company’s British content will continue to appear on BritBox.
BBC Studios said that BritBox will become part of the company’s Global Media and Streaming division, complementing its expanding portfolio of digital and direct-to-consumer services that includes BBC.com, BBC Select, the BBC’s premium ad-free doc streaming service in North America and BBC Podcast Premium, an audio service available in more than 160 countries.
“This is an important acquisition for us. We are taking full ownership of a successful, growing service we know well and that fits...
- 3/1/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios has bought British broadcaster ITV’s 50% stake in streamer BritBox International for £255 million ($322 million), the companies revealed on Friday.
The streamer was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between BBC Studios, which is the commercial arm of the British broadcaster, and ITV. “The transaction will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends and after tax of around £235 million,” the companies said.
“The sale reflects ITV’s strategy of focusing on supercharging its U.K. advertiser-funded streaming service, Itvx and growing its global Studios division,” ITV added. “The board intends to return the entire net sale proceeds to shareholders through a share buyback which it expects to launch imminently after the full-year results on March 7.”
Under the terms of the agreement, ITV Studios will continue to receive an ongoing revenue stream from BritBox International similar to current levels for the use of ITV content under new extended licensing agreements.
The streamer was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between BBC Studios, which is the commercial arm of the British broadcaster, and ITV. “The transaction will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends and after tax of around £235 million,” the companies said.
“The sale reflects ITV’s strategy of focusing on supercharging its U.K. advertiser-funded streaming service, Itvx and growing its global Studios division,” ITV added. “The board intends to return the entire net sale proceeds to shareholders through a share buyback which it expects to launch imminently after the full-year results on March 7.”
Under the terms of the agreement, ITV Studios will continue to receive an ongoing revenue stream from BritBox International similar to current levels for the use of ITV content under new extended licensing agreements.
- 3/1/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios has paid £255M ($321M) to acquire ITV’s shareholding in their joint venture streamer, BritBox International.
In a regulatory note confirming the sale this morning, ITV confirmed it had sold its 50%, with the proceeds set to return to shareholders through a share buyback scheme that will launch after full-year results are posted on March 7.
BritBox CEO Reman Sakaan will exit the business, which will join the BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division alongside the likes of BBC.com, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium. The BBC said new leaderships plans are “in place to ensure a smooth transition” and will be announced “imminently.”
The deal values BritBox International, which has nearly four million subscribers in eight territories, at over £500M. However, ITV is focusing on growth of its own streamer, Itvx, and its global ITV Studios division will redirect efforts in that direction following the deal.
ITV Studios,...
In a regulatory note confirming the sale this morning, ITV confirmed it had sold its 50%, with the proceeds set to return to shareholders through a share buyback scheme that will launch after full-year results are posted on March 7.
BritBox CEO Reman Sakaan will exit the business, which will join the BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division alongside the likes of BBC.com, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium. The BBC said new leaderships plans are “in place to ensure a smooth transition” and will be announced “imminently.”
The deal values BritBox International, which has nearly four million subscribers in eight territories, at over £500M. However, ITV is focusing on growth of its own streamer, Itvx, and its global ITV Studios division will redirect efforts in that direction following the deal.
ITV Studios,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Ralph Lee, BBC Studios Productions’ CEO, will be leaving the BBC’s commercial arm in April after almost six years to pursue a new challenge outside the organization.
Since being appointed director of content in 2018, “Lee has guided BBC Studios Productions to unrivaled creative recognition – winning 111 awards and 400 nominations in the ’22/’23 financial year alone – and becoming the most awarded production group at the BAFTA and Rts Awards,” BBC Studios said on Thursday.
BBC Studios has initiated a search for Lee’s successor.
“Ralph’s leadership has been a game-changer for our production business, taking BBC Studios to creative and award-winning heights in every genre, both domestically and internationally,” said BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell. “His calm stewardship through and out of the Covid pandemic was invaluable, and he’s attracted outstanding talent like Kate Ward, Rich Knight and Cecilia Persson to our organization, whilst overseeing global expansion and growth among our production units,...
Since being appointed director of content in 2018, “Lee has guided BBC Studios Productions to unrivaled creative recognition – winning 111 awards and 400 nominations in the ’22/’23 financial year alone – and becoming the most awarded production group at the BAFTA and Rts Awards,” BBC Studios said on Thursday.
BBC Studios has initiated a search for Lee’s successor.
“Ralph’s leadership has been a game-changer for our production business, taking BBC Studios to creative and award-winning heights in every genre, both domestically and internationally,” said BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell. “His calm stewardship through and out of the Covid pandemic was invaluable, and he’s attracted outstanding talent like Kate Ward, Rich Knight and Cecilia Persson to our organization, whilst overseeing global expansion and growth among our production units,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, has passed £2 billion ($2.7 billion) in sales and nudged up profits to £240 million, but an advertising downturn is hitting its channels and streaming business.
The corporation unveiled its annual report for 2022/2023 on Tuesday amid an ongoing presenter scandal that’s kept the BBC in national headlines since July 6. A planned virtual briefing with top brass was largely taken up by questions about the BBC’s handling of a complaint against one of its presenters, who is accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photographs. The host remains unnamed due to privacy concerns.
While BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell was meant to brief select press about the annual report, this was canceled due to the wider scandal, which saw director general Tim Davie take the brunt of questions from journalists.
The report reflects a record turnover of £2.09 billion for BBC Studios, which is...
The corporation unveiled its annual report for 2022/2023 on Tuesday amid an ongoing presenter scandal that’s kept the BBC in national headlines since July 6. A planned virtual briefing with top brass was largely taken up by questions about the BBC’s handling of a complaint against one of its presenters, who is accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photographs. The host remains unnamed due to privacy concerns.
While BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell was meant to brief select press about the annual report, this was canceled due to the wider scandal, which saw director general Tim Davie take the brunt of questions from journalists.
The report reflects a record turnover of £2.09 billion for BBC Studios, which is...
- 7/11/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios, the U.K. public broadcaster’s commercial arm, reported record full-year financials, including its highest-ever revenue and earnings, touting on Tuesday the strength of its Content Studio unit and “thriving brands like Bluey and Dancing With the Stars.”
The company unveiled key strategic and financial performance data for the fiscal year 2022/2023, which ended in March. Overall revenue, or sales, crossed the milestones of £2.0 billion, $2.0 billion and $2.5 billion, hitting £2.09 billion (nearly $2.70 billion), up 28 percent from the £1.63 billion recorded in the previous year. “This increase was driven by growth in its global Content Studio, which fuelled BBC Studios’ catalog, while thriving brands like Bluey and Dancing with the Stars and strong long-term partnerships also contributed to the year’s performance,” the company said.
Its profit, as measured in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) rose 6 to £240 million ($310 million) from £226 million “despite pressures from inflation, a volatile advertising market...
The company unveiled key strategic and financial performance data for the fiscal year 2022/2023, which ended in March. Overall revenue, or sales, crossed the milestones of £2.0 billion, $2.0 billion and $2.5 billion, hitting £2.09 billion (nearly $2.70 billion), up 28 percent from the £1.63 billion recorded in the previous year. “This increase was driven by growth in its global Content Studio, which fuelled BBC Studios’ catalog, while thriving brands like Bluey and Dancing with the Stars and strong long-term partnerships also contributed to the year’s performance,” the company said.
Its profit, as measured in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) rose 6 to £240 million ($310 million) from £226 million “despite pressures from inflation, a volatile advertising market...
- 7/11/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios has posted another record financial year, the BBC annual report reveals, as the Corporation’s production and sales wing continues its aggressive commercial push.
Profits for the 2022/23 financial year were £240M ($310M), a 6% increase, while revenues neared £2.1B ($2.7B), up almost 28%. Returns to the BBC were also a record, £362M ($467.5M), and content investment stood at £177M ($228.9M). However, ad market downturns hit its streaming and channels biz.
This marks a second year of record growth, as BBC Studios aims to double the size of its business between 2021/22 and 2028. The division had already doubled in size in the five years to March 2022 and last year set record totals for Ebitda and sales.
The numbers also provide some comforting reading for the BBC as it faces the crisis over the unnamed reported who alleged to have paid an underage person for sexual images. BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell had...
Profits for the 2022/23 financial year were £240M ($310M), a 6% increase, while revenues neared £2.1B ($2.7B), up almost 28%. Returns to the BBC were also a record, £362M ($467.5M), and content investment stood at £177M ($228.9M). However, ad market downturns hit its streaming and channels biz.
This marks a second year of record growth, as BBC Studios aims to double the size of its business between 2021/22 and 2028. The division had already doubled in size in the five years to March 2022 and last year set record totals for Ebitda and sales.
The numbers also provide some comforting reading for the BBC as it faces the crisis over the unnamed reported who alleged to have paid an underage person for sexual images. BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell had...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios is gearing up for next week’s Showcase event by signing a global first-look deal with former Warner Bros. Australia TV boss Shaun Murphy.
The agreement gives the BBC’s commercial arm a first look outside Australia at Big Owl Pictures’ slate of original factual entertainment and entertainment formats. It also includes a commitment to co-develop paper formats through BBC Studios’ global production network, which spans territories including the U.S., the UK, France, Germany and Nordics.
Murphy launched Big Owl in July last year with backing from Californian billionaire Steve Luczo, as we revealed at the time. The company focused on all genres of unscripted content, and select scripted and film projects, working domestically and internationally.
The news comes soon after BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell told Deadline of plans to further expand the organisation’s international production capabilities through acquisition, talent deals and other creative partnerships.
The agreement gives the BBC’s commercial arm a first look outside Australia at Big Owl Pictures’ slate of original factual entertainment and entertainment formats. It also includes a commitment to co-develop paper formats through BBC Studios’ global production network, which spans territories including the U.S., the UK, France, Germany and Nordics.
Murphy launched Big Owl in July last year with backing from Californian billionaire Steve Luczo, as we revealed at the time. The company focused on all genres of unscripted content, and select scripted and film projects, working domestically and internationally.
The news comes soon after BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell told Deadline of plans to further expand the organisation’s international production capabilities through acquisition, talent deals and other creative partnerships.
- 2/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Doctor Who’s latest regeneration represents “excellent commercial value,” according to BBC Studios boss Tom Fussell.
Sitting down for a wide-ranging interview with Deadline in mid-January, the CEO described the attention-grabbing deals his team struck with Bad Wolf and Disney+ that have reshaped the Doctor’s future ahead of the series’ 60th birthday. In short, they represent the future of a more aggressively commercial BBC Studios.
Related Story UK Film & TV Production Spend Hit Record 7.8Bn In 2022; Box Office Bounces Back But Indie Film Flounders Related Story Warner Bros. Discovery Appoints Emea Streaming Marketing Boss; ITV Launches Skills Academy; 'It's A Sin' To Make African Debut On Showmax; See-Saw Films Hire; Denmark's Cph:dox Unveils Opening Film – Global Briefs Related Story BBC News Review Says Journalists' "Lack Of Understanding Of Basic Economics" Brings "High Risk To Impartiality"
In 2021, BBC Studios announced it would for the first time co-produce Doctor Who with Bad Wolf.
Sitting down for a wide-ranging interview with Deadline in mid-January, the CEO described the attention-grabbing deals his team struck with Bad Wolf and Disney+ that have reshaped the Doctor’s future ahead of the series’ 60th birthday. In short, they represent the future of a more aggressively commercial BBC Studios.
Related Story UK Film & TV Production Spend Hit Record 7.8Bn In 2022; Box Office Bounces Back But Indie Film Flounders Related Story Warner Bros. Discovery Appoints Emea Streaming Marketing Boss; ITV Launches Skills Academy; 'It's A Sin' To Make African Debut On Showmax; See-Saw Films Hire; Denmark's Cph:dox Unveils Opening Film – Global Briefs Related Story BBC News Review Says Journalists' "Lack Of Understanding Of Basic Economics" Brings "High Risk To Impartiality"
In 2021, BBC Studios announced it would for the first time co-produce Doctor Who with Bad Wolf.
- 2/2/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC Studios is eyeing more LA expansion after Mark Linsey relocates early next year, while Linsey has unveiled changes to his scripted team.
The BBC veteran was revealed at Mipcom to be relocating across the pond in January, where he will continue in his role as Managing Director For Scripted. Once there, he will be placed “geographically closer to key global content decision makers” as he oversees BBC Studios-owned indies including Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle, Small Axe firm Turbine Studios and Sherwood’s House Productions, along with BBC Studios Drama Productions.
Speaking exclusively to Deadline for the first time since the Mipcom news broke, Linsey said his relocation will be just the start.
Mark Linsey. Image: BBC Studios
“The pipeline from our labels is really strong and gives us the confidence to build our infrastructure in LA,” he added.
BBC Studios already runs LA Productions, producing the likes of CBS’ Ghosts,...
The BBC veteran was revealed at Mipcom to be relocating across the pond in January, where he will continue in his role as Managing Director For Scripted. Once there, he will be placed “geographically closer to key global content decision makers” as he oversees BBC Studios-owned indies including Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle, Small Axe firm Turbine Studios and Sherwood’s House Productions, along with BBC Studios Drama Productions.
Speaking exclusively to Deadline for the first time since the Mipcom news broke, Linsey said his relocation will be just the start.
Mark Linsey. Image: BBC Studios
“The pipeline from our labels is really strong and gives us the confidence to build our infrastructure in LA,” he added.
BBC Studios already runs LA Productions, producing the likes of CBS’ Ghosts,...
- 12/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of U.K. public broadcaster BBC, has acquired a minority stake in British production firm Turbine Studios, the company behind the likes of anthology film series Small Axe (BBC/Amazon), movie Munich: The Edge of War (Netflix) and Steve McQueen’s documentary series Uprising.
Its latest project, Constellation, is an “eight-part conspiracy-based, psychological thriller” for Apple TV+, written by Peter Harness and starring Noomi Rapace (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Prometheus) and Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul).
Financial terms of the deal, unveiled on Wednesday, were not disclosed.
Turbine Studios was established in 2020 by Andrew Eaton, Tracey Scoffield, Justin Thomson and David Tanner who all have the title of founder and executive producer. “The team creates distinctive content that focuses on high-quality returning drama for both U.K. broadcasters and global streaming platforms, including the BBC,...
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of U.K. public broadcaster BBC, has acquired a minority stake in British production firm Turbine Studios, the company behind the likes of anthology film series Small Axe (BBC/Amazon), movie Munich: The Edge of War (Netflix) and Steve McQueen’s documentary series Uprising.
Its latest project, Constellation, is an “eight-part conspiracy-based, psychological thriller” for Apple TV+, written by Peter Harness and starring Noomi Rapace (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Prometheus) and Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul).
Financial terms of the deal, unveiled on Wednesday, were not disclosed.
Turbine Studios was established in 2020 by Andrew Eaton, Tracey Scoffield, Justin Thomson and David Tanner who all have the title of founder and executive producer. “The team creates distinctive content that focuses on high-quality returning drama for both U.K. broadcasters and global streaming platforms, including the BBC,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios powerhouse Natural History Unit (Nhu), which makes Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Jon Favreau’s Prehistoric Planet, has nearly doubled employment in the Bristol creative industries over the past few years, according to a BBC report that says almost 50,000 jobs will be forged outside London by 2027. The news comes with the BBC under significant financial pressure, made worse by inflation, according to a speech by Nations Director Rhodri Talfan Davies earlier today.
The report, from accounting firm Pwc, said the Nhu boosted local creative industries employment by 74 between 2015 and 2020. Creative hubs in Salford, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and Birmingham have also seen a “considerable level of growth,” said the BBC.
The Nhu has been a global success story since BBC Studios was given the greenlight to make shows for third-party buyers five years ago. The outfit, which is run by Jonny Keeling, is making a similar number of David Attenborough...
The report, from accounting firm Pwc, said the Nhu boosted local creative industries employment by 74 between 2015 and 2020. Creative hubs in Salford, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and Birmingham have also seen a “considerable level of growth,” said the BBC.
The Nhu has been a global success story since BBC Studios was given the greenlight to make shows for third-party buyers five years ago. The outfit, which is run by Jonny Keeling, is making a similar number of David Attenborough...
- 11/22/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Davie, BBC director-general, underscored the importance of creative risk-taking to the British broadcaster, when interviewed onstage at TV market Mipcom on Monday, which coincided with the BBC’s 100th anniversary.
Davie’s appearance onstage followed a presentation by Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, the broadcaster’s commercial arm. He announced that BBC Studios is set to wholly acquire Sid Gentle Films, the production company behind hits such as “Killing Eve.” He showed a clip from the company’s new show “Rain Dogs,” starring Daisy May Cooper. Cash Carraway is writer and executive producer.
Fussell also announced that BBC Studios’ managing director of scripted, Mark Linsey, is set to relocate to Los Angeles in order to help build its co-production, investment and commissioning opportunities internationally.
Fussell pointed out that this year 75 of its production studio revenues would come from outside the BBC, with shows such as “Good Omens” for Prime Video.
Davie’s appearance onstage followed a presentation by Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, the broadcaster’s commercial arm. He announced that BBC Studios is set to wholly acquire Sid Gentle Films, the production company behind hits such as “Killing Eve.” He showed a clip from the company’s new show “Rain Dogs,” starring Daisy May Cooper. Cash Carraway is writer and executive producer.
Fussell also announced that BBC Studios’ managing director of scripted, Mark Linsey, is set to relocate to Los Angeles in order to help build its co-production, investment and commissioning opportunities internationally.
Fussell pointed out that this year 75 of its production studio revenues would come from outside the BBC, with shows such as “Good Omens” for Prime Video.
- 10/17/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Dg Tim Davie and Studios CEO Tom Fussell have said the BBC is now a “fully global operation,” as they shared a stage for the first time at Mipcom Cannes.
The pair were receiving Mipcom’s first ever Studio of Distinction Award and were basking in the success, with both talking up what the British pubcaster has going on abroad.
“We’re not limited to a British sensibility,” said Davie. “BBC Studios isn’t a British company it’s a BBC creative company.”
The Dg pointed to remakes of the likes of Idris Elba drama Luther in India, along with natural history being made around the world with local flavor.
“This isn’t just about taking Luther to India as a lift and a shift – this [remake] is very much an Indian show. It’s got that sensibility,” said Davie.
Davie said while he thinks big beasts Netflix and Disney+ are “great services,...
The pair were receiving Mipcom’s first ever Studio of Distinction Award and were basking in the success, with both talking up what the British pubcaster has going on abroad.
“We’re not limited to a British sensibility,” said Davie. “BBC Studios isn’t a British company it’s a BBC creative company.”
The Dg pointed to remakes of the likes of Idris Elba drama Luther in India, along with natural history being made around the world with local flavor.
“This isn’t just about taking Luther to India as a lift and a shift – this [remake] is very much an Indian show. It’s got that sensibility,” said Davie.
Davie said while he thinks big beasts Netflix and Disney+ are “great services,...
- 10/17/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios is set to wholly acquire Sid Gentle Films, the production company behind hits such as “Killing Eve” and “Ragdoll.”
BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial production and distribution arm, is intent on growing its portfolio of U.K. scripted labels. It already wholly owns Lookout Point (“Happy Valley 3”), Clerkenwell Films (“Somewhere Boy”), House Productions (“Sherwood”) and most recently Firebird Pictures (“Wahala”) and is the controlling shareholder in Baby Cow (“Chivalry”).
In 2018 it acquired a 51 stake in Sid Gentle, which was founded in 2013 by Sally Woodward Gentle, with Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin.
The production company has also been responsible foe shows including “The Durrells,” “Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories” and the upcoming Disney+ series “Extraordinary” and is currently working on “Rain Dogs,” starring Daisy May Cooper.
BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell, speaking at Mipcom on Monday, said: “I’m delighted to announce the full acquisition of Sid Gentle Films.
BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial production and distribution arm, is intent on growing its portfolio of U.K. scripted labels. It already wholly owns Lookout Point (“Happy Valley 3”), Clerkenwell Films (“Somewhere Boy”), House Productions (“Sherwood”) and most recently Firebird Pictures (“Wahala”) and is the controlling shareholder in Baby Cow (“Chivalry”).
In 2018 it acquired a 51 stake in Sid Gentle, which was founded in 2013 by Sally Woodward Gentle, with Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin.
The production company has also been responsible foe shows including “The Durrells,” “Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories” and the upcoming Disney+ series “Extraordinary” and is currently working on “Rain Dogs,” starring Daisy May Cooper.
BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell, speaking at Mipcom on Monday, said: “I’m delighted to announce the full acquisition of Sid Gentle Films.
- 10/17/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios has taken full control of Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle Films, unveiled on day one of Mipcom.
The BBC’s commercial production-distribution arm already owned 51 of the business following a 2018 deal and has now snapped up the remaining shares.
Sid Gentle is best known for BBC America thriller drama Killing Eve, but is also behind long-running ITV drama The Durrells, SS-gb for BBC One and UKTV and AMC’s Ragdoll among others, and is currently in post-production on Rain Dogs, which Cash Carraway wrote for the BBC and HBO, and Emma Moran Disney+ comedy Extraordinary. The company was founded in 2013 by Sally Woodward Gentle, Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin.
BBC Studios already wholly owns Lookout Point, Clerkenwell Films, and House Productions and is the controlling shareholder in Baby Cow. It also took the remaining shares in Wilderness producer Firebird Pictures earlier this month, as it deepens its investment in premium scripted companies.
BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell was in Cannes this morning delivering a keynote, where he said: “Led by Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris, Sid Gentle is home to unmissable returning hits. Best known for BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Killing Eve, the future slate is just as exciting.”
In a statement, Woodward Gentle, CEO of Sid Gentle, said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to continue our journey with BBC Studios. They have been the most supportive, collaborative and creative partner. It is an honor to work with the most wonderful team at Sid and to feel a shared ambition and outlook with BBC Studios.”
Mark Linsey heads to LA
Fussell also announced Managing Director For Scripted, Mark Linsey, is relocating from London to LA to “place him geographically closer to key global content decision makers as BBC Studios seeks to build further co-production, investment and commissioning opportunities for its scripted offer.”
Linsey is BBC Studios most senior scripted exec, having taken on his current role in a restructure earlier this year. His current role gives him oversight of the firm’s UK-based teams including Doctor Who producer BBC Studios Drama Productions, EastEnders and Casualty maker BBC Studios Continuing Drama Series and Good Omens and Trying division BBC Studios Comedy Productions, alongside its wholly owned and controlled scripted labels, scripted indie minority shareholdings and distribution relationships.
He’ll retain those duties and continue to report to BBC Studios Productions CEO Ralph Lee. Additionally, he’ll now work closely with both Janet Brown, BBC Studios’ newly appointed President of Content Distribution for North America and Latin America, and Valerie Bruce, General Manager and leader of BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, and their teams, to grow BBC Studios’ presence.
“Under the leadership of Mark Linsey, previously BBC Director of Television and BBC Studios Chief Creative Officer, we are investing in the UK’s most exciting talent and creative labels,” Fussell told Mipcom delegates. “I am thrilled to share today that Mark will relocate from London to LA to grow further BBC Studios’ commitment to the West Coast and our shared creative ambition.”
“Taking our world-class portfolio of labels and units direct to the heart of the world’s largest English language scripted market is a natural next step,” said Linsey. “I look forward to working closer than ever with US based colleagues and customers to fund and create unique new series for the world to enjoy.”...
The BBC’s commercial production-distribution arm already owned 51 of the business following a 2018 deal and has now snapped up the remaining shares.
Sid Gentle is best known for BBC America thriller drama Killing Eve, but is also behind long-running ITV drama The Durrells, SS-gb for BBC One and UKTV and AMC’s Ragdoll among others, and is currently in post-production on Rain Dogs, which Cash Carraway wrote for the BBC and HBO, and Emma Moran Disney+ comedy Extraordinary. The company was founded in 2013 by Sally Woodward Gentle, Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin.
BBC Studios already wholly owns Lookout Point, Clerkenwell Films, and House Productions and is the controlling shareholder in Baby Cow. It also took the remaining shares in Wilderness producer Firebird Pictures earlier this month, as it deepens its investment in premium scripted companies.
BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell was in Cannes this morning delivering a keynote, where he said: “Led by Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris, Sid Gentle is home to unmissable returning hits. Best known for BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Killing Eve, the future slate is just as exciting.”
In a statement, Woodward Gentle, CEO of Sid Gentle, said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to continue our journey with BBC Studios. They have been the most supportive, collaborative and creative partner. It is an honor to work with the most wonderful team at Sid and to feel a shared ambition and outlook with BBC Studios.”
Mark Linsey heads to LA
Fussell also announced Managing Director For Scripted, Mark Linsey, is relocating from London to LA to “place him geographically closer to key global content decision makers as BBC Studios seeks to build further co-production, investment and commissioning opportunities for its scripted offer.”
Linsey is BBC Studios most senior scripted exec, having taken on his current role in a restructure earlier this year. His current role gives him oversight of the firm’s UK-based teams including Doctor Who producer BBC Studios Drama Productions, EastEnders and Casualty maker BBC Studios Continuing Drama Series and Good Omens and Trying division BBC Studios Comedy Productions, alongside its wholly owned and controlled scripted labels, scripted indie minority shareholdings and distribution relationships.
He’ll retain those duties and continue to report to BBC Studios Productions CEO Ralph Lee. Additionally, he’ll now work closely with both Janet Brown, BBC Studios’ newly appointed President of Content Distribution for North America and Latin America, and Valerie Bruce, General Manager and leader of BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, and their teams, to grow BBC Studios’ presence.
“Under the leadership of Mark Linsey, previously BBC Director of Television and BBC Studios Chief Creative Officer, we are investing in the UK’s most exciting talent and creative labels,” Fussell told Mipcom delegates. “I am thrilled to share today that Mark will relocate from London to LA to grow further BBC Studios’ commitment to the West Coast and our shared creative ambition.”
“Taking our world-class portfolio of labels and units direct to the heart of the world’s largest English language scripted market is a natural next step,” said Linsey. “I look forward to working closer than ever with US based colleagues and customers to fund and create unique new series for the world to enjoy.”...
- 10/17/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
BBC Studios has taken full ownership of Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle Films, adding another major U.K. production company to the growing stable now entirely under the control of the BBC’s commercial production-distribution arm.
Alongside its BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning spy thriller series Killing Eve, Sid Gentle — founded in 2013 by Sally Woodward Gentle, with Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin — was best known for ITV’s BAFTA nomination show The Durrells, plus SS-gb, Ragdoll and Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories. BBC Studios has been a 51 percent investor since 2018, but announced it was upping its stake from MIPCOM on Monday.
“I’m delighted to announce the full acquisition of Sid Gentle Films. Led by Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris, Sid Gentle is home to unmissable returning hits. Best known for BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Killing Eve, the future slate is just as exciting,...
BBC Studios has taken full ownership of Killing Eve producer Sid Gentle Films, adding another major U.K. production company to the growing stable now entirely under the control of the BBC’s commercial production-distribution arm.
Alongside its BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning spy thriller series Killing Eve, Sid Gentle — founded in 2013 by Sally Woodward Gentle, with Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin — was best known for ITV’s BAFTA nomination show The Durrells, plus SS-gb, Ragdoll and Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories. BBC Studios has been a 51 percent investor since 2018, but announced it was upping its stake from MIPCOM on Monday.
“I’m delighted to announce the full acquisition of Sid Gentle Films. Led by Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris, Sid Gentle is home to unmissable returning hits. Best known for BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Killing Eve, the future slate is just as exciting,...
- 10/17/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: This year’s Mipcom will place co-productions “front and centre” as the market moves with the times, according to Lucy Smith, who runs the annual Rx France event.
The Cannes market is introducing a 1000 sqft Producers Hub for the first time – where producers with projects in the early stages can meet and discuss partnerships – and Smith told Deadline the move is reflective of how the TV industry is changing, pivoting towards co-productions and away from traditional distributor-to-buyer sales.
“If you look at the way sales have developed, co-productions have become more important to everyone,” added Smith. “Co-pros were already organically part of the market but we feel that they have taken on a hugely important part of the TV business and wanted to pivot Mipcom to make sure they are front and centre.”
Markets such as Series Mania already place intense focus on co-production opportunities and Smith said the...
The Cannes market is introducing a 1000 sqft Producers Hub for the first time – where producers with projects in the early stages can meet and discuss partnerships – and Smith told Deadline the move is reflective of how the TV industry is changing, pivoting towards co-productions and away from traditional distributor-to-buyer sales.
“If you look at the way sales have developed, co-productions have become more important to everyone,” added Smith. “Co-pros were already organically part of the market but we feel that they have taken on a hugely important part of the TV business and wanted to pivot Mipcom to make sure they are front and centre.”
Markets such as Series Mania already place intense focus on co-production opportunities and Smith said the...
- 10/7/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Studios global president Kate Ward is joining BBC Studios to oversee its factual portfolio, Variety can reveal.
Ward has been appointed to the role of managing director for factual at BBC Studios Productions, where she replaces Tom McDonald, who left the company earlier this year to join National Geographic.
With her new role, the well-respected executive — who most recently served as president of global studios and Pulse Films for Vice Media Group — will take on one of the most significant production portfolios in the U.K. industry, spanning the BBC’s Natural History Unit, Documentary Unit and Science Unit. She will also oversee relationships with BBC Studios’ roster of production companies, including Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions, David Olusoga’s Uplands TV and James and Soleta Rogan’s Rogan Productions.
Ward, who starts the role in February 2023, reports into Ralph Lee, CEO of BBC Studios Productions.
The Bbcs managing...
Ward has been appointed to the role of managing director for factual at BBC Studios Productions, where she replaces Tom McDonald, who left the company earlier this year to join National Geographic.
With her new role, the well-respected executive — who most recently served as president of global studios and Pulse Films for Vice Media Group — will take on one of the most significant production portfolios in the U.K. industry, spanning the BBC’s Natural History Unit, Documentary Unit and Science Unit. She will also oversee relationships with BBC Studios’ roster of production companies, including Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions, David Olusoga’s Uplands TV and James and Soleta Rogan’s Rogan Productions.
Ward, who starts the role in February 2023, reports into Ralph Lee, CEO of BBC Studios Productions.
The Bbcs managing...
- 9/22/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Event director Lucy Smith tells Screen about the return of ‘supersized’ programme market.
After a cancelled 2020 event and toned down 2021 edition, the Mipcom TV sales and co-production market is poised for a return to pre-pandemic attendance levels for its 38th edition, which runs October 17-20.
Delegates from 96 countries have so far confirmed their participation and more than 10,000 delegates are expected to attend – more than double the numbers of the 2021 edition.
“Everyone is thrilled to get back to a real supersized Mipcom in Cannes,” the event’s director Lucy Smith told Screen at a press conference held by organisers Rx France in Paris today.
After a cancelled 2020 event and toned down 2021 edition, the Mipcom TV sales and co-production market is poised for a return to pre-pandemic attendance levels for its 38th edition, which runs October 17-20.
Delegates from 96 countries have so far confirmed their participation and more than 10,000 delegates are expected to attend – more than double the numbers of the 2021 edition.
“Everyone is thrilled to get back to a real supersized Mipcom in Cannes,” the event’s director Lucy Smith told Screen at a press conference held by organisers Rx France in Paris today.
- 9/20/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti is to deliver a keynote at Mipcom.
Bassetti joins the likes of Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier and BBC bosses Tim Davie and Tom Fussell on the speaker list for the October Cannes event, which is the first at full capacity for three years.
Bassetti will speak as part of the Media Mastermind program about his European production powerhouse’s global strategy and wider industry trends. The Peaky Blinders, Survivor and Big Brother owner has been acquisitive of late, buying giants including Endemol Shine Group and, most recently, Sony Pictures Television Germany.
He will be joined at Mipcom by 200 Banijay staffers and talent.
“Mipcom always stands as a momentous occasion for our business, and I look forward to taking the time to share more on our current strategy and the trends we are recognising across the globe,” said Bassetti.
Mipcom Director Lucy Smith added: “Mipcom is...
Bassetti joins the likes of Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier and BBC bosses Tim Davie and Tom Fussell on the speaker list for the October Cannes event, which is the first at full capacity for three years.
Bassetti will speak as part of the Media Mastermind program about his European production powerhouse’s global strategy and wider industry trends. The Peaky Blinders, Survivor and Big Brother owner has been acquisitive of late, buying giants including Endemol Shine Group and, most recently, Sony Pictures Television Germany.
He will be joined at Mipcom by 200 Banijay staffers and talent.
“Mipcom always stands as a momentous occasion for our business, and I look forward to taking the time to share more on our current strategy and the trends we are recognising across the globe,” said Bassetti.
Mipcom Director Lucy Smith added: “Mipcom is...
- 8/23/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios To Receive Inaugural Mipcom Studio Of Distinction Award
BBC Studios is to be recognized with Mipcom’s first ever Studio of Distinction award at this year’s October market and CEO Tom Fussell will be joined by BBC Dg Tim Davie for a speech on the first day. The award has been forged to mark a landmark achievement by a global studio and is being given as the BBC turns 100, and its international broadcasting operation becomes 90. Davie, who was BBC Studios CEO before being replaced by Fussell last year, will talk about the “enduring importance of the BBC at home and around the world,” while Fussell will discuss the “rapid pace of change” at the studio behind the likes of Frozen Planet II, Good Omens and Top Gear. BBC Studios is coming off the back of a record year that saw profits soar by more than 50 and turnover...
BBC Studios is to be recognized with Mipcom’s first ever Studio of Distinction award at this year’s October market and CEO Tom Fussell will be joined by BBC Dg Tim Davie for a speech on the first day. The award has been forged to mark a landmark achievement by a global studio and is being given as the BBC turns 100, and its international broadcasting operation becomes 90. Davie, who was BBC Studios CEO before being replaced by Fussell last year, will talk about the “enduring importance of the BBC at home and around the world,” while Fussell will discuss the “rapid pace of change” at the studio behind the likes of Frozen Planet II, Good Omens and Top Gear. BBC Studios is coming off the back of a record year that saw profits soar by more than 50 and turnover...
- 8/3/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios will return to Cannes this fall, and will be honored at Mipcom with an inaugural Studio of Distinction award.
Created by Mipcom organizers Rx France to mark “a landmark achievement by a global studio or platform,” the award will be presented to production-distribution powerhouse BBC Studios in the week that the BBC marks 100 years of public service broadcasting in the U.K. and its 90th year of international broadcasting.
Senior BBC Studios executives are set to give keynote addresses at both Mip Junior and Mipcom. The company will also exhibit in a new location, moving from its custom built stand on the Croisette in 2019 (pictured below) to a new spot within the Palais des Festivals, in the spacious Verrière section, which also has an outdoor area overlooking the Croisette.
On the opening day of Mipcom, Tom Fussell, in his first public address as CEO of BBC Studios, will...
Created by Mipcom organizers Rx France to mark “a landmark achievement by a global studio or platform,” the award will be presented to production-distribution powerhouse BBC Studios in the week that the BBC marks 100 years of public service broadcasting in the U.K. and its 90th year of international broadcasting.
Senior BBC Studios executives are set to give keynote addresses at both Mip Junior and Mipcom. The company will also exhibit in a new location, moving from its custom built stand on the Croisette in 2019 (pictured below) to a new spot within the Palais des Festivals, in the spacious Verrière section, which also has an outdoor area overlooking the Croisette.
On the opening day of Mipcom, Tom Fussell, in his first public address as CEO of BBC Studios, will...
- 8/3/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of U.K. public broadcaster BBC, touted strong business momentum in its annual report on Tuesday, including record full-year revenue and earnings, as well as a 56 percent increase in production sales.
The company lauded “a very healthy year” for its TV channels group saying: “Content sales were strong at over £400 million (473 million), thanks to key brands like Doctor Who and Top Gear, unscripted landmarks The Universe and Green Planet, alongside hits from our indie partners, including The North Water, This Is Going to Hurt and The Outlaws.” And Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, said: “Our creative and financial success is clear for all to see.”
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Fussell, a former CFO of production firm Shine who previously also worked for Harper Collins U.K. in various commercial director roles and as finance...
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of U.K. public broadcaster BBC, touted strong business momentum in its annual report on Tuesday, including record full-year revenue and earnings, as well as a 56 percent increase in production sales.
The company lauded “a very healthy year” for its TV channels group saying: “Content sales were strong at over £400 million (473 million), thanks to key brands like Doctor Who and Top Gear, unscripted landmarks The Universe and Green Planet, alongside hits from our indie partners, including The North Water, This Is Going to Hurt and The Outlaws.” And Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, said: “Our creative and financial success is clear for all to see.”
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Fussell, a former CFO of production firm Shine who previously also worked for Harper Collins U.K. in various commercial director roles and as finance...
- 7/13/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios has big plans for its activity on the West Coast, as CEO Tom Fussell hails record results, stating, “Our growth is coming from everywhere.”
Fussell was in a buoyant mood as he spoke with Deadline a few hours after the publication of the BBC Annual Report, which showed profits to have rocketed by 56 to £226M (267M) in the latest financial year, with turnover increasing by 30 to £1.6B (1.9B).
He talked up activity on the West Coast to come, having recently met key partners in LA. BBC Studios is currently prepping natural history series Prehistoric Planet from Jon Favreau for Apple TV+.
“We’re growing very rapidly on the West Coast in terms of production,” said Fussell. “And there is a lot more growth coming, whether that be U.S. giants partnering with the BBC or us producing directly for the U.S. [without the BBC network involved].”
As he looks to build on a successful year,...
Fussell was in a buoyant mood as he spoke with Deadline a few hours after the publication of the BBC Annual Report, which showed profits to have rocketed by 56 to £226M (267M) in the latest financial year, with turnover increasing by 30 to £1.6B (1.9B).
He talked up activity on the West Coast to come, having recently met key partners in LA. BBC Studios is currently prepping natural history series Prehistoric Planet from Jon Favreau for Apple TV+.
“We’re growing very rapidly on the West Coast in terms of production,” said Fussell. “And there is a lot more growth coming, whether that be U.S. giants partnering with the BBC or us producing directly for the U.S. [without the BBC network involved].”
As he looks to build on a successful year,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios hit record £226M (267M) profits last year and the corporation splashed the cash on drama as it emerged from the pandemic, according to the Annual Report out today. However, the report contained worrying statistics on how many Brits are using the BBC each week, coming at a time when it is under pressure from the government.
BBC Studios, the corporation’s commercial arm, had a strong year as Director General Tim Davie placed more stress on generating higher commercial returns, with turnover increasing by 30 to £1.6B (1.9B) and Ebitda rising by 56 to £226M, topping £200M for the first time.
The gains, which were put down to the strong performance of key brands such as Doctor Who and Top Gear plus new shows The Outlaws, The Pursuit Of Love and This is Going to Hurt, come as BBC Studios’ borrowing limit has been increased by the government to £750M...
BBC Studios, the corporation’s commercial arm, had a strong year as Director General Tim Davie placed more stress on generating higher commercial returns, with turnover increasing by 30 to £1.6B (1.9B) and Ebitda rising by 56 to £226M, topping £200M for the first time.
The gains, which were put down to the strong performance of key brands such as Doctor Who and Top Gear plus new shows The Outlaws, The Pursuit Of Love and This is Going to Hurt, come as BBC Studios’ borrowing limit has been increased by the government to £750M...
- 7/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
BBC Studios, the U.K. public broadcaster’s commercial arm, reported record full-year financials, including its highest-ever revenue and earnings, on Tuesday, saying this “positions the business well for future growth.”
The company unveiled key strategic and financial performance data for the fiscal year 2021/2022, with overall revenue, or sales, reaching £1.630 billion (1.93 billion), up 30 percent compared with the £1.255 billion recorded in the previous financial year “thanks to a very healthy year for production and (TV channels group) UKTV.”
The growth was driven by a 56 percent increase in production sales. “Content sales were strong at over £400 million (473 million), thanks to key brands like Doctor Who and Top Gear, unscripted landmarks The Universe and Green Planet, alongside hits from our indie partners, including The North Water, This Is Going To Hurt and The Outlaws,” BBC Studios said.
Profit, as measured in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation...
BBC Studios, the U.K. public broadcaster’s commercial arm, reported record full-year financials, including its highest-ever revenue and earnings, on Tuesday, saying this “positions the business well for future growth.”
The company unveiled key strategic and financial performance data for the fiscal year 2021/2022, with overall revenue, or sales, reaching £1.630 billion (1.93 billion), up 30 percent compared with the £1.255 billion recorded in the previous financial year “thanks to a very healthy year for production and (TV channels group) UKTV.”
The growth was driven by a 56 percent increase in production sales. “Content sales were strong at over £400 million (473 million), thanks to key brands like Doctor Who and Top Gear, unscripted landmarks The Universe and Green Planet, alongside hits from our indie partners, including The North Water, This Is Going To Hurt and The Outlaws,” BBC Studios said.
Profit, as measured in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation...
- 7/12/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of Britain’s public broadcaster, has marked record growth for 2021/22 with profits up 50 year-on-year to £226 million (267 million) and sales up 30 to £1.63 billion.
The past financial year marks the first time the business has topped £200 million in profits. Meanwhile, the boost in sales, which is up from £1.26 billion in the 2020/21 financial year, is due to a healthy year for production and advertising revenues via BBC Studios-backer broadcaster UKTV.
While there was no cash dividend returned to the BBC last year due to the pandemic, BBC Studios has this year contributed a dividend of £135 million to the broadcaster.
Crucially, the record growth has helped the business reach its target of £1.2 billion in returns to the BBC over the first five years of the current BBC Charter — a goal that was first set in October 2015, covering the period of 2017/18 through to 2021/22.
This year’s earnings are the first...
The past financial year marks the first time the business has topped £200 million in profits. Meanwhile, the boost in sales, which is up from £1.26 billion in the 2020/21 financial year, is due to a healthy year for production and advertising revenues via BBC Studios-backer broadcaster UKTV.
While there was no cash dividend returned to the BBC last year due to the pandemic, BBC Studios has this year contributed a dividend of £135 million to the broadcaster.
Crucially, the record growth has helped the business reach its target of £1.2 billion in returns to the BBC over the first five years of the current BBC Charter — a goal that was first set in October 2015, covering the period of 2017/18 through to 2021/22.
This year’s earnings are the first...
- 7/12/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster BBC has revealed ambitions of a more representative workforce as part of its Annual Plan that was published on Wednesday.
“We will introduce a new target for 25% of our staff to come from low socio-economic backgrounds by 2027, to ensure our workforce is more representative of the audiences we serve,” the BBC said in a statement.
The corporation also noted its disappointment with the license free, its main source of income, being frozen and said that savings have to be found in the long run.
“While we recognize the licence fee is a privilege, this is a disappointing outcome at a time of high inflation and media super-inflation,” the BBC said. “As a result of the settlement, we will need to find £285 million [$375 million] in annual savings by 2027/28, requiring a reduction in the content and services we provide to audiences.”
In the Annual Plan, the BBC projects annual income...
“We will introduce a new target for 25% of our staff to come from low socio-economic backgrounds by 2027, to ensure our workforce is more representative of the audiences we serve,” the BBC said in a statement.
The corporation also noted its disappointment with the license free, its main source of income, being frozen and said that savings have to be found in the long run.
“While we recognize the licence fee is a privilege, this is a disappointing outcome at a time of high inflation and media super-inflation,” the BBC said. “As a result of the settlement, we will need to find £285 million [$375 million] in annual savings by 2027/28, requiring a reduction in the content and services we provide to audiences.”
In the Annual Plan, the BBC projects annual income...
- 3/30/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Lorraine Burgess has been confirmed as chief financial officer at BBC Studios after serving as interim CFO since July 2021. Burgess will report into chief executive Tom Fussell.
Producer-distributor BBC Studios is U.K. broadcaster BBC’s largest commercial subsidiary, which contributed sales of £1.25 billion ($1.7 billion) in the 2020/2021 financial year. Burgess’ role is key given than U.K. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has frozen the U.K. TV license fee, the BBC’s primary source of income, for two years.
Burgess will sit on BBC Studios’ Executive Committee and lead the overall financial strategy and teams for the outfit. Working with Fussell and the executive committee, as well as group and external stakeholders, she will help shape strategy to achieve BBC Studios’ commercial ambitions.
Prior to joining BBC Studios, Burgess was MD of Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures and its associated companies and previously led digital operations, commercial and corporate development for Endemol Shine Group.
Producer-distributor BBC Studios is U.K. broadcaster BBC’s largest commercial subsidiary, which contributed sales of £1.25 billion ($1.7 billion) in the 2020/2021 financial year. Burgess’ role is key given than U.K. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has frozen the U.K. TV license fee, the BBC’s primary source of income, for two years.
Burgess will sit on BBC Studios’ Executive Committee and lead the overall financial strategy and teams for the outfit. Working with Fussell and the executive committee, as well as group and external stakeholders, she will help shape strategy to achieve BBC Studios’ commercial ambitions.
Prior to joining BBC Studios, Burgess was MD of Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures and its associated companies and previously led digital operations, commercial and corporate development for Endemol Shine Group.
- 2/22/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios has appointed Lorraine Burgess, the former MD of Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures, as Chief Financial Officer.
Burgess, who had been doing the role on an interim basis since July, permanently replaces Tom Fussell, who became BBC Studios CEO towards the end of last year.
Burgess will sit on the Executive Committee and lead the overall financial strategy and teams for the BBC’s commercial arm.
Fussell said Burgess’ “extensive commercial, strategic and leadership experience in creative businesses have been invaluable over the last few months and will be critical as we seek to develop our ambitious growth plans and help deliver increasing commercial revenues for the BBC.”
Burgess was Group MD of Elba’s Green Door Pictures for three-and-a-half years, during which time the outfit produced shows including Sky comedy In The Long Run and Sky Atlantic/Showtime’s Guerilla, along with non-scripted titles such as...
Burgess, who had been doing the role on an interim basis since July, permanently replaces Tom Fussell, who became BBC Studios CEO towards the end of last year.
Burgess will sit on the Executive Committee and lead the overall financial strategy and teams for the BBC’s commercial arm.
Fussell said Burgess’ “extensive commercial, strategic and leadership experience in creative businesses have been invaluable over the last few months and will be critical as we seek to develop our ambitious growth plans and help deliver increasing commercial revenues for the BBC.”
Burgess was Group MD of Elba’s Green Door Pictures for three-and-a-half years, during which time the outfit produced shows including Sky comedy In The Long Run and Sky Atlantic/Showtime’s Guerilla, along with non-scripted titles such as...
- 2/22/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios has promoted Rebecca Glashow to the newly created position of CEO of global distribution.
The former Discovery and Awesomeness exec has been president of BBC Studios Americas since mid-2020. She oversaw the launch of documentary streaming service BBC Select as well as BBC Podcasts. Last September, global digital news was added to her portfolio.
Over the past year, the commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group has licensed more than 1,500 hours of programming. Its roster includes noted titles like I May Destroy You, Steve McQueen’s Small Axe film anthology, nature series The Green Planet and kids breakout Bluey.
After handing the distribution reins to Glashow after a 10-year run, Paul Dempsey will become director of performance. In leading the studio’s international distribution operation, he presided over growth in sales and increased programming investment. BBC Studios also made inroads in China and India during his 10-year distribution tenure...
The former Discovery and Awesomeness exec has been president of BBC Studios Americas since mid-2020. She oversaw the launch of documentary streaming service BBC Select as well as BBC Podcasts. Last September, global digital news was added to her portfolio.
Over the past year, the commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group has licensed more than 1,500 hours of programming. Its roster includes noted titles like I May Destroy You, Steve McQueen’s Small Axe film anthology, nature series The Green Planet and kids breakout Bluey.
After handing the distribution reins to Glashow after a 10-year run, Paul Dempsey will become director of performance. In leading the studio’s international distribution operation, he presided over growth in sales and increased programming investment. BBC Studios also made inroads in China and India during his 10-year distribution tenure...
- 2/14/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of U.K. broadcaster BBC, has promoted Rebecca Glashow to the newly created role of CEO, global distribution. Glashow will take up the position on March 1, when she also becomes a member of the organization’s executive committee.
Glashow previously held the post of president, BBC Studios Americas, from June 2020, overseeing the strategy and performance of the company’s commercial activities in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. She was responsible for the launch of documentary streaming service BBC Select and BBC Podcasts and in September, oversight of global digital news was added to her responsibilities.
In her new role, Glashow takes expanded responsibilities for BBC Studios’ global distribution portfolio portfolio (ex-u.K. & Ireland), encompassing content sales, direct-to-consumer services, international channels, co-productions as well as continued responsibility for the growth of BBC’s digital global news.
Earlier, Glashow served as co-head of Viacom’s...
Glashow previously held the post of president, BBC Studios Americas, from June 2020, overseeing the strategy and performance of the company’s commercial activities in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. She was responsible for the launch of documentary streaming service BBC Select and BBC Podcasts and in September, oversight of global digital news was added to her responsibilities.
In her new role, Glashow takes expanded responsibilities for BBC Studios’ global distribution portfolio portfolio (ex-u.K. & Ireland), encompassing content sales, direct-to-consumer services, international channels, co-productions as well as continued responsibility for the growth of BBC’s digital global news.
Earlier, Glashow served as co-head of Viacom’s...
- 2/14/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios has consolidated its production and content teams under the banner BBC Studios Productions.
The move is intended to “create a single content powerhouse for all the commercial arm’s productions, talent relationships, and content investment.”
BBC Studios Productions will oversee four genres – scripted, factual, global formats group and children’s – which will apply across all of BBC Studios’ wholly and partly owned labels as well as BBC Studios Productions and indies with which BBC Studios partners for content sales.
CEO of BBC Studios Productions, Ralph Lee, will oversee the company’s productions and content investment, supported by COO Martha Brass, whose purview is business development, production operations and strategy. Brass will also have overall responsibility for “content investment into distribution rights” for which she’ll collaborate closely across BBC Studios.
The managing directors for each genre, who will all report to Lee, will be Mark Linsey, who will oversee scripted,...
The move is intended to “create a single content powerhouse for all the commercial arm’s productions, talent relationships, and content investment.”
BBC Studios Productions will oversee four genres – scripted, factual, global formats group and children’s – which will apply across all of BBC Studios’ wholly and partly owned labels as well as BBC Studios Productions and indies with which BBC Studios partners for content sales.
CEO of BBC Studios Productions, Ralph Lee, will oversee the company’s productions and content investment, supported by COO Martha Brass, whose purview is business development, production operations and strategy. Brass will also have overall responsibility for “content investment into distribution rights” for which she’ll collaborate closely across BBC Studios.
The managing directors for each genre, who will all report to Lee, will be Mark Linsey, who will oversee scripted,...
- 2/3/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios has restructured to combine its Productions and Content Partnerships businesses, bringing its units under the same roof as the indies it owns including Lookout Point, Clerkenwell Films and House Productions.
The move is intended to strengthen the outfit’s commercial offering around the world, coming five years after it was given the greenlight to make shows for third party buyers.
Ralph Lee has been promoted to CEO of BBC Studios Productions and will take overall responsibility of the restructured outfit, helped by newly appointed COO Martha Brass.
Experienced Chief Creative Officer Mark Linsey, who previously looked after content partnerships, will become Managing Director, Scripted, overseeing four scripted units along with the drama indies owned by BBC Studios including Gentleman Jack Producer Lookout Point, End of the F***ing World’s Clerkenwell Films, Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell’s House Productions and Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow.
The move is intended to strengthen the outfit’s commercial offering around the world, coming five years after it was given the greenlight to make shows for third party buyers.
Ralph Lee has been promoted to CEO of BBC Studios Productions and will take overall responsibility of the restructured outfit, helped by newly appointed COO Martha Brass.
Experienced Chief Creative Officer Mark Linsey, who previously looked after content partnerships, will become Managing Director, Scripted, overseeing four scripted units along with the drama indies owned by BBC Studios including Gentleman Jack Producer Lookout Point, End of the F***ing World’s Clerkenwell Films, Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell’s House Productions and Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow.
- 2/3/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sally Wainwright, Daisy May Cooper and the hosts of Top Gear, along with senior BBC execs, will address next month’s BBC Studios Showcase, as the commercial outfit unveils a packed lineup for the online-only event.
The Showcase, which takes place from February 28 to 2 March, will also feature Romesh Ranganathan speaking about his comedy Avoidance, comedian Lee Mack on gameshow format The 1% Club and will include an interview with the stars of Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper’s new Channel 4 sitcom I Hate You.
Gentleman Jack creator Wainwright will give exclusive insight into the third and final series of BBC One’s Happy Valley and This Country creator Cooper’s will discuss her upcoming comedy thriller.
Meanwhile, BBC Director General Tim Davie, Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore and new BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell will all speak on future content trends and the BBC’s creative direction.
BBC...
The Showcase, which takes place from February 28 to 2 March, will also feature Romesh Ranganathan speaking about his comedy Avoidance, comedian Lee Mack on gameshow format The 1% Club and will include an interview with the stars of Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper’s new Channel 4 sitcom I Hate You.
Gentleman Jack creator Wainwright will give exclusive insight into the third and final series of BBC One’s Happy Valley and This Country creator Cooper’s will discuss her upcoming comedy thriller.
Meanwhile, BBC Director General Tim Davie, Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore and new BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell will all speak on future content trends and the BBC’s creative direction.
BBC...
- 1/24/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios has unveiled the line-up for its annual Showcase and it includes creatives such as “Happy Valley” creator Sally Wainwright and the hosts of “Top Gear.”
The three-day event, which will again be virtual for 2022, will be fronted by talent including “Strictly Come Dancing” co-host Claudia Winkleman, Clara Amfo and Anita Rani, as well as BBC Studios execs.
BBC Studios is the commercial arm of broadcaster the BBC and among those appearing at the Showcase will be the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie, BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell and BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore. They will discuss content trends as well as the BBC’s creative direction.
The three-day event also promises “dynamic genre sessions” and industry-leading insights from creatives such as Wainwright, who will give attendees an exclusive insight into the final season of “Happy Valley,” Daisy May Cooper and Selin Hizli, who will be talking about...
The three-day event, which will again be virtual for 2022, will be fronted by talent including “Strictly Come Dancing” co-host Claudia Winkleman, Clara Amfo and Anita Rani, as well as BBC Studios execs.
BBC Studios is the commercial arm of broadcaster the BBC and among those appearing at the Showcase will be the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie, BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell and BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore. They will discuss content trends as well as the BBC’s creative direction.
The three-day event also promises “dynamic genre sessions” and industry-leading insights from creatives such as Wainwright, who will give attendees an exclusive insight into the final season of “Happy Valley,” Daisy May Cooper and Selin Hizli, who will be talking about...
- 1/24/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios-owned channel group UKTV achieved its record share of TV viewing last year, increasing by almost 5% as dramas such as Annika and Ragdoll generated big audiences.
According to UKTV, total share rose by 4% to 4.8% across all hours, with drama channels Alibi and Drama performing particularly well. Share of Commercial Impacts, a measure used by advertisers, rose by 5.7% to a record 8.5%.
UKTV identified originals such as Nicola Walker-starring Annika, whose top episode has been watched by more than 1.3M people and is Alibi’s most-watched show of all time, along with Sid Gentle Films’ Ragdoll, as key to its success.
The channel group has pivoted towards a scripted strategy over the past couple of years, also ordering the likes of BBC Studios’ We Hunt Together and Red Production Company’s Traces.
Non-scripted titles to perform well included Dave formats Meet the Richardsons and Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable, the latter...
According to UKTV, total share rose by 4% to 4.8% across all hours, with drama channels Alibi and Drama performing particularly well. Share of Commercial Impacts, a measure used by advertisers, rose by 5.7% to a record 8.5%.
UKTV identified originals such as Nicola Walker-starring Annika, whose top episode has been watched by more than 1.3M people and is Alibi’s most-watched show of all time, along with Sid Gentle Films’ Ragdoll, as key to its success.
The channel group has pivoted towards a scripted strategy over the past couple of years, also ordering the likes of BBC Studios’ We Hunt Together and Red Production Company’s Traces.
Non-scripted titles to perform well included Dave formats Meet the Richardsons and Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable, the latter...
- 1/13/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: More change afoot in the BBC Studios/UKTV acquisitions team as exec Roxana Rehman is upped to take on the Global Acquisitions Manager role revealed by Deadline several weeks ago.
Rehman, a former Head of Programming for British channel PBS America, has secured the newly-created post after four years with BBC Studios-owned UKTV and will now be responsible for sourcing and securing content for UKTV channels such as Alibi, Dave and Gold along with the likes of BBC First, BBC Earth and BBC Brit – channels that BBC Studios operates outside of the UK. She will also oversee the Acquisitions Executive and Acquisitions Assistant.
BBC Studios airs originals and shows from its back catalogue on its UKTV channels along with acquired offerings such as The Good Wife (pictured), which aired last night on drama channel Alibi.
Rehman is on maternity leave and will start later in the year, with former...
Rehman, a former Head of Programming for British channel PBS America, has secured the newly-created post after four years with BBC Studios-owned UKTV and will now be responsible for sourcing and securing content for UKTV channels such as Alibi, Dave and Gold along with the likes of BBC First, BBC Earth and BBC Brit – channels that BBC Studios operates outside of the UK. She will also oversee the Acquisitions Executive and Acquisitions Assistant.
BBC Studios airs originals and shows from its back catalogue on its UKTV channels along with acquired offerings such as The Good Wife (pictured), which aired last night on drama channel Alibi.
Rehman is on maternity leave and will start later in the year, with former...
- 1/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios’ new CEO Tom Fussell has promoted the producer/distributor’s General Counsel Martyn Freeman to Chief Operating Officer.
Freeman has been BBC Studios’ Gc for a decade and will extend his role to oversee the company’s technology, transformation and property, along with negotiating major acquisitions and partnerships and looking into regulation and compliance.
Netflix exec Anna Mallett held the role from 2016 to 2019 before moving to ITN and its responsibilities have been taken on by multiple other execs since. Freeman’s role is broader than BBC Studios Productions COO Martha Brass, who joined earlier this year from French producer/distributor Newen Group.
Fussell described the COO position as a “critical role” and praised Freeman for overseeing BBC Studios’ “operational response to the pandemic,” adding: “He brought his trademark calm and focus to a challenging set of circumstances for the business and its staff and ensured that everyone had...
Freeman has been BBC Studios’ Gc for a decade and will extend his role to oversee the company’s technology, transformation and property, along with negotiating major acquisitions and partnerships and looking into regulation and compliance.
Netflix exec Anna Mallett held the role from 2016 to 2019 before moving to ITN and its responsibilities have been taken on by multiple other execs since. Freeman’s role is broader than BBC Studios Productions COO Martha Brass, who joined earlier this year from French producer/distributor Newen Group.
Fussell described the COO position as a “critical role” and praised Freeman for overseeing BBC Studios’ “operational response to the pandemic,” adding: “He brought his trademark calm and focus to a challenging set of circumstances for the business and its staff and ensured that everyone had...
- 12/10/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios, the broadcaster’s commercial arm, has appointed its general counsel Martyn Freeman to the position of chief operating officer.
As general counsel, Freeman already oversees BBC Studio’s business and legal affairs, global operations, compliance and risk. As COO his remit will also expand to technology, transformation and property.
He will also negotiate major acquisitions and partnerships, oversee regulatory compliance across international jurisdictions and manage BBC Studio’s technology strategy.
Freeman has been general counsel for the company since its inception. Before that he was general counsel for BBC Worldwide.
BBC Studios recently appointed Tom Fussell as its permanent CEO, following his predecessor Tim Davie’s promotion to director general of the BBC. Fussell first took over from Davie in September 2020 as interim CEO. His appointment was made permanent the following October.
“This is a critical role for BBC Studios’ future and I am delighted that Martyn has...
As general counsel, Freeman already oversees BBC Studio’s business and legal affairs, global operations, compliance and risk. As COO his remit will also expand to technology, transformation and property.
He will also negotiate major acquisitions and partnerships, oversee regulatory compliance across international jurisdictions and manage BBC Studio’s technology strategy.
Freeman has been general counsel for the company since its inception. Before that he was general counsel for BBC Worldwide.
BBC Studios recently appointed Tom Fussell as its permanent CEO, following his predecessor Tim Davie’s promotion to director general of the BBC. Fussell first took over from Davie in September 2020 as interim CEO. His appointment was made permanent the following October.
“This is a critical role for BBC Studios’ future and I am delighted that Martyn has...
- 12/10/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The bosses of all major UK broadcasters, Discovery UK and Sky have come together to sign a Climate Content Pledge at this week’s COP26, as they attempt to uproot their commissioning processes and teach audiences more about reaching net zero on greenhouse gases.
Twelve networks, which represent more than 70% of time UK audiences spend watching TV and film, have put their names to the pledge, as the CEOs of the major broadcasters appear in a panel session this morning at BBC Scotland.
The pledge reads:
We will reach more of our audiences with content that helps everyone understand and navigate the path to net zero, and inspires them to make greener choices. We will develop processes that help us to consider climate themes when we are commissioning, developing and producing content. We will ensure that our efforts are informed by the science. We will recognise the importance of fair...
Twelve networks, which represent more than 70% of time UK audiences spend watching TV and film, have put their names to the pledge, as the CEOs of the major broadcasters appear in a panel session this morning at BBC Scotland.
The pledge reads:
We will reach more of our audiences with content that helps everyone understand and navigate the path to net zero, and inspires them to make greener choices. We will develop processes that help us to consider climate themes when we are commissioning, developing and producing content. We will ensure that our efforts are informed by the science. We will recognise the importance of fair...
- 11/3/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
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