Exclusive: Dirk Hoogstra is getting the band back together at Lionsgate.
Hoogstra, who is now leading the eOne U.S. label at Lionsgate Alternative Television, is bringing over a number of his former Half Yard Productions colleagues.
Nicole Sorrenti, who was Chief Creative Officer at the Say Yes To The Dress producer, left the company, which is owned by Peter Chernin’s The North Road Company, at the same time as Hoogstra last year.
She now serves as EVP, Development, eOne U.S. In addition to TLC’s wedding series, she has produced series including Secrets & Sisterhood: The Sozahdahs for Hulu, and I Just Killed My Dad for Netflix.
San Heng joins the company as SVP, Development, eOne U.S. The showrunner has worked on series including RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Real Housewives and Little Women: LA. She recently wrapped on Chrissy & Dave Dine Out and the upcoming docuseries Wayne Brady: The Family Remix.
Hoogstra, who is now leading the eOne U.S. label at Lionsgate Alternative Television, is bringing over a number of his former Half Yard Productions colleagues.
Nicole Sorrenti, who was Chief Creative Officer at the Say Yes To The Dress producer, left the company, which is owned by Peter Chernin’s The North Road Company, at the same time as Hoogstra last year.
She now serves as EVP, Development, eOne U.S. In addition to TLC’s wedding series, she has produced series including Secrets & Sisterhood: The Sozahdahs for Hulu, and I Just Killed My Dad for Netflix.
San Heng joins the company as SVP, Development, eOne U.S. The showrunner has worked on series including RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Real Housewives and Little Women: LA. She recently wrapped on Chrissy & Dave Dine Out and the upcoming docuseries Wayne Brady: The Family Remix.
- 4/11/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate is expanding in unscripted TV programming by launching an alternative TV division led by Craig Piligian.
Lionsgate Alternative Television will encompass the studio’s unscripted TV brands like Pilgrim Media Group, Blackfin, Renegade, Daisybeck Studios and more recently Entertainment One after the acquisition of key film and TV assets from Hasbro.
Piligian, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer, becomes managing director of the new division that has unscripted franchises like Naked and Afraid, Street Outlaws, Wicked Tuna, The Yorkshire Vet, Ex on the Beach, Selling Sunset and Milf Manor. Lionsgate’s unscripted TV output includes limited series like Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez and Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre.
The management team at Lionsgate Alternative Television also includes Pilgrim Media Group president and COO Gretchen Stockdale and top Renegade execs David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe. Former History Channel and Half Yard Productions exec Dirk Hoogstra joins...
Lionsgate Alternative Television will encompass the studio’s unscripted TV brands like Pilgrim Media Group, Blackfin, Renegade, Daisybeck Studios and more recently Entertainment One after the acquisition of key film and TV assets from Hasbro.
Piligian, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer, becomes managing director of the new division that has unscripted franchises like Naked and Afraid, Street Outlaws, Wicked Tuna, The Yorkshire Vet, Ex on the Beach, Selling Sunset and Milf Manor. Lionsgate’s unscripted TV output includes limited series like Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez and Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre.
The management team at Lionsgate Alternative Television also includes Pilgrim Media Group president and COO Gretchen Stockdale and top Renegade execs David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe. Former History Channel and Half Yard Productions exec Dirk Hoogstra joins...
- 1/9/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Half Yard Productions, the company behind TLC’s long-running series Say Yes To The Dress, is losing its two most senior executives.
CEO Dirk Hoogstra and Chief Creative Officer Nicole Sorrenti are exiting the company, which is owned by Peter Chernin’s The North Road Company. North Road took it over as part of its deal to acquire the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios last year.
It follows layoffs within the company over the summer as North Road looked to “right-size” the business.
It comes at a difficult time for unscripted producers; many companies in the genre are struggling as buying seems to have hit a low and the writers and actors strike didn’t bring any boom to the area, as happened with the 07/08 strike. There are fewer places to sell unscripted reality series and the market has been hurting.
“It’s the toughest time to...
CEO Dirk Hoogstra and Chief Creative Officer Nicole Sorrenti are exiting the company, which is owned by Peter Chernin’s The North Road Company. North Road took it over as part of its deal to acquire the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios last year.
It follows layoffs within the company over the summer as North Road looked to “right-size” the business.
It comes at a difficult time for unscripted producers; many companies in the genre are struggling as buying seems to have hit a low and the writers and actors strike didn’t bring any boom to the area, as happened with the 07/08 strike. There are fewer places to sell unscripted reality series and the market has been hurting.
“It’s the toughest time to...
- 12/5/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: It’s a tough time to be a mid-sized unscripted production company right now.
A slow-down of greenlights amid cost cutting within all of the major media conglomerates, and seemingly no bump from the writers and actors strike despite what many were expecting, has led to doom and gloom across the non-scripted sector.
This has led to many companies having to undergo layoffs. Deadline understands that companies including Bunim/Murray, Half-Yard Productions and Propagate Content have all cut staff recently and more are expected to follow suit. ITV America-backed High Noon Entertainment informed its local production staff in Denver that due to production cycles, the number of workers contracted when shows weren’t in production would be reduced. We hear Hot Snakes Media is in a similar situation.
“It’s the toughest time to be in unscripted that I can remember,” one unscripted producer told Deadline.
Another source...
A slow-down of greenlights amid cost cutting within all of the major media conglomerates, and seemingly no bump from the writers and actors strike despite what many were expecting, has led to doom and gloom across the non-scripted sector.
This has led to many companies having to undergo layoffs. Deadline understands that companies including Bunim/Murray, Half-Yard Productions and Propagate Content have all cut staff recently and more are expected to follow suit. ITV America-backed High Noon Entertainment informed its local production staff in Denver that due to production cycles, the number of workers contracted when shows weren’t in production would be reduced. We hear Hot Snakes Media is in a similar situation.
“It’s the toughest time to be in unscripted that I can remember,” one unscripted producer told Deadline.
Another source...
- 8/16/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu Originals has ordered three unscripted series “Love in Fairhope,” “Royal Rules of Ohio,” and “Secrets & Sisterhood: The Sozahdahs.”
“Love in Fairhope” is a reality TV romantic drama set in the small town of Fairhope, Alabama. It follows the lives of five generations of women. “In this community, everyone knows everyone else’s business, but no one knows where hopelessly romantic dreams, passions and inspiration will take them all,” reads the official logline.
Reese Witherspoon executive produces alongside Sara Rea, Alex Baskin, Lauren Weber, Brian McCarthy, Joe Kingsley, and Benton Bohannon. Evolution Media, Hello Sunshine, and Tremont Road are the studios behind the production.
“Royal Rules of Ohio” is a docuseries following three Ghanaian sisters as they navigate their twenties in Columbus, Ohio. The Agyekum sisters live a lavish life as the daughters of royal descendants of two of the most wealthy and powerful Ghanaian kingdoms. However, with that privilege comes great responsibility.
“Love in Fairhope” is a reality TV romantic drama set in the small town of Fairhope, Alabama. It follows the lives of five generations of women. “In this community, everyone knows everyone else’s business, but no one knows where hopelessly romantic dreams, passions and inspiration will take them all,” reads the official logline.
Reese Witherspoon executive produces alongside Sara Rea, Alex Baskin, Lauren Weber, Brian McCarthy, Joe Kingsley, and Benton Bohannon. Evolution Media, Hello Sunshine, and Tremont Road are the studios behind the production.
“Royal Rules of Ohio” is a docuseries following three Ghanaian sisters as they navigate their twenties in Columbus, Ohio. The Agyekum sisters live a lavish life as the daughters of royal descendants of two of the most wealthy and powerful Ghanaian kingdoms. However, with that privilege comes great responsibility.
- 3/9/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu Originals has ordered the unscripted series Love in Fairhope, Royal Rules of Ohio and Secrets & Sisterhood: The Sozahdahs.
Love in Fairhope follows five generations of women navigating life and love in the small town of Fairhope, Alabama. In this community, everyone knows everyone else’s business, but no one knows where hopelessly romantic dreams, passions and inspiration will take them all. It’s from Evolution Media, Hello Sunshine and Tremont Road and is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, Alex Baskin, Lauren Weber, Brian McCarthy, Joe Kingsley and Benton Bohannon.
Royal Rules of Ohio is a docuseries following three first-generation, young Ghanaian sisters as they navigate their 20s in Columbus, Ohio. As the daughters of royal descendants of two of the most wealthy and powerful Ghanaian kingdoms, the Agyekum sisters live a lavish life. But in the Ghanaian community, great privilege comes with great responsibility: behind closed doors,...
Love in Fairhope follows five generations of women navigating life and love in the small town of Fairhope, Alabama. In this community, everyone knows everyone else’s business, but no one knows where hopelessly romantic dreams, passions and inspiration will take them all. It’s from Evolution Media, Hello Sunshine and Tremont Road and is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, Alex Baskin, Lauren Weber, Brian McCarthy, Joe Kingsley and Benton Bohannon.
Royal Rules of Ohio is a docuseries following three first-generation, young Ghanaian sisters as they navigate their 20s in Columbus, Ohio. As the daughters of royal descendants of two of the most wealthy and powerful Ghanaian kingdoms, the Agyekum sisters live a lavish life. But in the Ghanaian community, great privilege comes with great responsibility: behind closed doors,...
- 3/9/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
The top-to-bottom rebrand of Epix into MGM+ under Amazon’s ownership means an increase in not only scripted series but also documentary content.
R.J. Cutler’s “Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus and Mayhem in the USA” is the first of five docuseries that will stream on the new platform in 2023.
About Jack Roland Murphy, an infamous jewel thief turned murderer, “Murf the Surf” was commissioned by Epix three years ago after Imagine Documentaries’ president Sara Bernstein and her former co-president Justin Wilkes pitched the story to Michael Wright, former president of Epix and current head of MGM+. (Wilkes was recently promoted to president of Imagine Entertainment.) After reading a New York Times’ article with the headline “How a Band of Surfer Dudes Pulled Off the Biggest Jewel Heist in N.Y. History,” Bernstein and Wilkes were immediately intrigued.
“It read like an “Ocean’s Eleven” story,” Bernstein says. “So, we sought out Jack Murphy,...
R.J. Cutler’s “Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus and Mayhem in the USA” is the first of five docuseries that will stream on the new platform in 2023.
About Jack Roland Murphy, an infamous jewel thief turned murderer, “Murf the Surf” was commissioned by Epix three years ago after Imagine Documentaries’ president Sara Bernstein and her former co-president Justin Wilkes pitched the story to Michael Wright, former president of Epix and current head of MGM+. (Wilkes was recently promoted to president of Imagine Entertainment.) After reading a New York Times’ article with the headline “How a Band of Surfer Dudes Pulled Off the Biggest Jewel Heist in N.Y. History,” Bernstein and Wilkes were immediately intrigued.
“It read like an “Ocean’s Eleven” story,” Bernstein says. “So, we sought out Jack Murphy,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Chernin is going all-in on building an independent content studio with global reach backed with up to 800 million in financing from private equity giants Providence Equity Partners and Apollo.
The media investor and former Fox chief has formed The North Road Company after quietly acquiring the U.S. production assets of Red Arrow Studios in a deal with Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 said to be worth about 180 million.
The Red Arrow units will combine with the existing Chernin Entertainment banner as the backbone of the new venture that will focus on producing movies, scripted and unscripted TV programs and documentaries, among other content. As part of the North Road transaction, Chernin has also acquired the remaining 50 of Words + Pictures, the documentary production company that Chernin launched last year with ESPN alum Connor Schell and Chernin Entertainment’s Jesse Jacobs.
Chernin will serve as chairman and CEO of North Road. Chernin...
The media investor and former Fox chief has formed The North Road Company after quietly acquiring the U.S. production assets of Red Arrow Studios in a deal with Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 said to be worth about 180 million.
The Red Arrow units will combine with the existing Chernin Entertainment banner as the backbone of the new venture that will focus on producing movies, scripted and unscripted TV programs and documentaries, among other content. As part of the North Road transaction, Chernin has also acquired the remaining 50 of Words + Pictures, the documentary production company that Chernin launched last year with ESPN alum Connor Schell and Chernin Entertainment’s Jesse Jacobs.
Chernin will serve as chairman and CEO of North Road. Chernin...
- 7/6/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Chernin Group co-founder Peter Chernin is rolling up three content studios into one new mega-project, backed by 800 million in financing from two private equity firms.
Chernin is launching The North Road Company, a global multi-genre film and TV studio that will include ownership of Chernin Entertainment (Ford v Ferrari, New Girl); and Words + Pictures (The ESPYs), the venture launched by former ESPN executive Connor Schell, and which was backed by Chernin.
But North Road is also in the market for acquisitions, with the first being the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios (Love Is Blind, The Circus).
The purchase price for Red Arrow Studios’ U.S. assets was 180 million, according to a source familiar with the deal. Red Arrow had been owned by Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 Group, which had been looking at potential deal opportunities since before the pandemic.
“I...
The Chernin Group co-founder Peter Chernin is rolling up three content studios into one new mega-project, backed by 800 million in financing from two private equity firms.
Chernin is launching The North Road Company, a global multi-genre film and TV studio that will include ownership of Chernin Entertainment (Ford v Ferrari, New Girl); and Words + Pictures (The ESPYs), the venture launched by former ESPN executive Connor Schell, and which was backed by Chernin.
But North Road is also in the market for acquisitions, with the first being the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios (Love Is Blind, The Circus).
The purchase price for Red Arrow Studios’ U.S. assets was 180 million, according to a source familiar with the deal. Red Arrow had been owned by Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 Group, which had been looking at potential deal opportunities since before the pandemic.
“I...
- 7/6/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peter Chernin has launched The North Road Company, a global content studio that will bring together Chernin Entertainment, the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios, which includes Love Is Blind producer Kinetic Content, and Connor Schell’s non-scripted business Words + Pictures.
The move comes as the former Fox chief paid $200M for Red Arrow’s U.S. companies including Kinetic Content, The Circus producer Left/Right, 44 Blue Productions, the company behind Netflix’s Life After Death with Tyler Henry, Say Yes To The Dress producer Half Yard and Building Alaska producer Dorsey Pictures.
The new company will have access to hundreds of millions of dollars in financing for further acquisitions from Providence Equity Partners and Apollo and will open a London office with former Red Arrow Studios Chairman and CEO Jan Frouman, who Deadline revealed joined the company earlier this year, and former AMC Networks exec Kristin Jones.
The move comes as the former Fox chief paid $200M for Red Arrow’s U.S. companies including Kinetic Content, The Circus producer Left/Right, 44 Blue Productions, the company behind Netflix’s Life After Death with Tyler Henry, Say Yes To The Dress producer Half Yard and Building Alaska producer Dorsey Pictures.
The new company will have access to hundreds of millions of dollars in financing for further acquisitions from Providence Equity Partners and Apollo and will open a London office with former Red Arrow Studios Chairman and CEO Jan Frouman, who Deadline revealed joined the company earlier this year, and former AMC Networks exec Kristin Jones.
- 7/6/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Jana Bennett, the former president and general manager of the History Channel and top director at the BBC, has died. She was 66.
Bennett was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2019.
In a statement provided to Variety on Thursday, Paul Buccieri, president and chairman of History Channel owner A+E Networks, said: “All of us at A+E Networks deeply mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Jana Bennett. Jana had an extraordinary career in media and her contributions to the A+E Networks family are too enormous to count. She was a groundbreaking, game-changing, generous and beautiful person. She will be terribly missed by all of us, and especially by me. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.”
“Jana Bennett was one of the most talented television producers of her generation and a formidable champion of public service broadcasting,” current BBC director-general Tim Davie said in his own statement to Variety.
Bennett was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2019.
In a statement provided to Variety on Thursday, Paul Buccieri, president and chairman of History Channel owner A+E Networks, said: “All of us at A+E Networks deeply mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Jana Bennett. Jana had an extraordinary career in media and her contributions to the A+E Networks family are too enormous to count. She was a groundbreaking, game-changing, generous and beautiful person. She will be terribly missed by all of us, and especially by me. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.”
“Jana Bennett was one of the most talented television producers of her generation and a formidable champion of public service broadcasting,” current BBC director-general Tim Davie said in his own statement to Variety.
- 1/13/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime has released a trailer for “American Rust,” premiering Sept. 12.
Starring Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney, the limited series based on Philipp Meyer’s novel of the same name follows Del Harris (Daniels), the chief of police of a Pennsylvania Rust Belt town, as he decides how far he’ll go to protect the son of a woman he loves, Grace (Tierney), after a murder upends the town.
“The oath we all took together was, we’d do this for each other,” Daniels’ Del says at the start and end of the trailer, which you can watch below.
The trailer showcases Del’s moral dilemma of how to handle the murder investigation that is complicated by personal connections. In it, he acknowledges the case is “poisoning” the town, as someone is going to have to answer for the crime no matter what. It also offers glimpses of the graphic details...
Starring Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney, the limited series based on Philipp Meyer’s novel of the same name follows Del Harris (Daniels), the chief of police of a Pennsylvania Rust Belt town, as he decides how far he’ll go to protect the son of a woman he loves, Grace (Tierney), after a murder upends the town.
“The oath we all took together was, we’d do this for each other,” Daniels’ Del says at the start and end of the trailer, which you can watch below.
The trailer showcases Del’s moral dilemma of how to handle the murder investigation that is complicated by personal connections. In it, he acknowledges the case is “poisoning” the town, as someone is going to have to answer for the crime no matter what. It also offers glimpses of the graphic details...
- 7/23/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma
- Variety Film + TV
Dirk Hoogstra Named CEO Of ‘Say Yes To The Dress’ Producer Half Yard After Sean Gallagher Steps Down
Former History Channel general manager Dirk Hoogstra is taking over at Half Yard Productions, the company behind TLC’s Say Yes To The Dress franchise, after co-founder Sean Gallagher stepped down.
Hoogstra has been named CEO after Gallagher decided to pursue interests outside of the TV industry.
It comes 18 months after Hoogstra joined the company as EVP of Development.
Half Yard Productions is currently producing the 19th season of Say Yes to the Dress for the Discovery-owned broadcaster and also makes Relatively Evil for Investigation Discovery and Dino Hunters for Discovery.
Hoogstra previously spent nine years at A+E Networks, where he ran History with series including American Pickers, Counting Cars, Hatfields & McCoys, The Bible and Vikings. Before that he spent 11 years at Discovery. After leaving A+E Networks in 2016, he was Chief Creative Officer at Stephen David Entertainment before launching Triton City Entertainment, his own digital sci-fi and...
Hoogstra has been named CEO after Gallagher decided to pursue interests outside of the TV industry.
It comes 18 months after Hoogstra joined the company as EVP of Development.
Half Yard Productions is currently producing the 19th season of Say Yes to the Dress for the Discovery-owned broadcaster and also makes Relatively Evil for Investigation Discovery and Dino Hunters for Discovery.
Hoogstra previously spent nine years at A+E Networks, where he ran History with series including American Pickers, Counting Cars, Hatfields & McCoys, The Bible and Vikings. Before that he spent 11 years at Discovery. After leaving A+E Networks in 2016, he was Chief Creative Officer at Stephen David Entertainment before launching Triton City Entertainment, his own digital sci-fi and...
- 12/3/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix’s animated World War II drama “The Liberator” follows the story of Army officer Felix Sparks and his unit, the 3rd Battalion of the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Division, nicknamed the “Thunderbirds,” which spent an unprecedented 500 days in combat. But the path to getting “The Liberator” made was almost as adventurous.
Along the way, “The Liberator” went from being an 8-hour live-action series for the History channel to becoming a 4-episode unique animated experiment for Netflix. With the amount of bumps in the road “The Liberator” faced, most projects would have languished in development hell. But the people behind the project, including writer Jeb Stuart (“Die Hard”), A+E Studios head Barry Jossen and executive producers Bob Shaye, Sarah Victor and Michael Lynne (who died during production) managed to get the show made.
Driving everyone’s desire to keep “The Liberator” alive is what drew Stuart to the...
Along the way, “The Liberator” went from being an 8-hour live-action series for the History channel to becoming a 4-episode unique animated experiment for Netflix. With the amount of bumps in the road “The Liberator” faced, most projects would have languished in development hell. But the people behind the project, including writer Jeb Stuart (“Die Hard”), A+E Studios head Barry Jossen and executive producers Bob Shaye, Sarah Victor and Michael Lynne (who died during production) managed to get the show made.
Driving everyone’s desire to keep “The Liberator” alive is what drew Stuart to the...
- 11/5/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Hip hop artist and entrepreneur Rick Ross is partnering with Half Yard Productions, a Red Arrow Studios company, on a docuseries centered on New Jersey’s Fronzaglia family, in which Ross also would star. The project is the first for Ross under his recently launched Lucky Bastard Media Corp. production company.
Half-Yard’s Head of Development Dirk Hoogstra is developing the untitled new series about the Fronzaglia family – Alisa Maria, Dejroune, Milan and Joe “The Crane” — a unique, charismatic and endearing cast of characters heavily involved in New Jersey’s social life and business community. The family’s eldest daughter Dejroune or “Dej” is in an emerging relationship with the Miami based Ross, who will take a central role in the series.
More from DeadlineJames Earl Jones & Paul Bates Returning For 'Coming To America' Sequel, Rick Ross Also JoiningFormer History Gm Dirk Hoogstra Joins 'Say Yes To...
Half-Yard’s Head of Development Dirk Hoogstra is developing the untitled new series about the Fronzaglia family – Alisa Maria, Dejroune, Milan and Joe “The Crane” — a unique, charismatic and endearing cast of characters heavily involved in New Jersey’s social life and business community. The family’s eldest daughter Dejroune or “Dej” is in an emerging relationship with the Miami based Ross, who will take a central role in the series.
More from DeadlineJames Earl Jones & Paul Bates Returning For 'Coming To America' Sequel, Rick Ross Also JoiningFormer History Gm Dirk Hoogstra Joins 'Say Yes To...
- 4/2/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Former History Gm Dirk Hoogsta and his Triton City Entertainment are developing Dawn of the Paladin, a planned four-movie sci-fi franchise, with Chris Collins (The Wire) attached to adapt and co-write the first film.
Written on spec by Hoogstra, the story centers around a small group of peacekeepers paid to protect a remote three-planet colony.
More from DeadlineFormer History Gm Dirk Hoogstra Joins 'Say Yes To The Dress' Producer Half Yard ProductionsDirk Hoogstra's Triton City Entertainment Sets Board Of AdvisorsDirk Hoogstra's Digital Venture Triton City Entertainment Brings In Anthony Macbain As New Partner, Reveals First Concept Art
“Some of my favorite scripts I’ve written were for Star Wars: The Clone Wars which allowed me to tap a different part of my imagination,” said Collins. “Dawn of the Paladin presented the same opportunity and has all the raw materials to build a franchise. It’s a sci-fi saga for the next generation.
Written on spec by Hoogstra, the story centers around a small group of peacekeepers paid to protect a remote three-planet colony.
More from DeadlineFormer History Gm Dirk Hoogstra Joins 'Say Yes To The Dress' Producer Half Yard ProductionsDirk Hoogstra's Triton City Entertainment Sets Board Of AdvisorsDirk Hoogstra's Digital Venture Triton City Entertainment Brings In Anthony Macbain As New Partner, Reveals First Concept Art
“Some of my favorite scripts I’ve written were for Star Wars: The Clone Wars which allowed me to tap a different part of my imagination,” said Collins. “Dawn of the Paladin presented the same opportunity and has all the raw materials to build a franchise. It’s a sci-fi saga for the next generation.
- 3/12/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s roundup, Tracy Morgan will host the ESPYs and Amazon Prime Video has announced the premiere date for “Carnival Row.”
Dates
Amazon has announced that the fantasy drama series “Carnival Row,” starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, will premiere August 30.
The series is described as being set in a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures whose exotic homelands were invaded by the empires of man.
The CW has added a new anthology series, “Two Sentence Horror Stories,” to its summer schedule and set the premiere dates for the rest of its slate.
Inspired by the viral fan fiction of two sentence horror stories, the new show consists of contemporary tales of horror and haunting which tap into viewers’ primal fears. “Two Sentence Horror Stories” will premiere August 8, followed by an original episode of “The Outpost.” The network has set “Bulletproof” and “Supernatural” for July 28, “Penn & Tell: Fool Us,...
Dates
Amazon has announced that the fantasy drama series “Carnival Row,” starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, will premiere August 30.
The series is described as being set in a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures whose exotic homelands were invaded by the empires of man.
The CW has added a new anthology series, “Two Sentence Horror Stories,” to its summer schedule and set the premiere dates for the rest of its slate.
Inspired by the viral fan fiction of two sentence horror stories, the new show consists of contemporary tales of horror and haunting which tap into viewers’ primal fears. “Two Sentence Horror Stories” will premiere August 8, followed by an original episode of “The Outpost.” The network has set “Bulletproof” and “Supernatural” for July 28, “Penn & Tell: Fool Us,...
- 6/3/2019
- by Dano Nissen
- Variety Film + TV
Former History general manager Dirk Hoogstra has joined Say Yes To The Dress producer Half Yard Productions as its development boss. This comes two years after he launched, Triton City Entertainment, his own digital sci-fi and fantasy venture.
Hoogstra joins the Red Arrow Studios company as Evp, development and will be based in New York. He will work closely with Chief Creative Officer Nicole Sorrenti and VP of Development, Matt Ayres and will join his former Discovery colleague, Sean Gallagher, who is now CEO of the company.
Half Yard Productions is currently making Say Yes To The Dress spin-offs, Say Yes to Nest and Say Yes to the Dress America, and The Toe Bro launched on A&E in March.
Hoogstra spent nine years at A+E Networks, where he ran History with series including American Pickers, Counting Cars, Hatfields & McCoys, The Bible and Vikings. Before that he spent 11 years at Discovery.
Hoogstra joins the Red Arrow Studios company as Evp, development and will be based in New York. He will work closely with Chief Creative Officer Nicole Sorrenti and VP of Development, Matt Ayres and will join his former Discovery colleague, Sean Gallagher, who is now CEO of the company.
Half Yard Productions is currently making Say Yes To The Dress spin-offs, Say Yes to Nest and Say Yes to the Dress America, and The Toe Bro launched on A&E in March.
Hoogstra spent nine years at A+E Networks, where he ran History with series including American Pickers, Counting Cars, Hatfields & McCoys, The Bible and Vikings. Before that he spent 11 years at Discovery.
- 6/3/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Dirk Hoogstra has named the board of advisors for his Triton City Entertainment, the digital venture he launched last year.
“I’m thrilled to announce Tce’s Board of Advisors comprised of accomplished entrepreneurs, producers, directors and writers,” said Hoogstra. “I’m so fortunate to have assembled this group of friends and colleagues who will provide guidance and expertise to both the business and creative divisions of our company.”
They are: film/TV writer and producer Chris Collins (The Wire, Sons of Anarchy, The Man in the High Castle); producer/writer director and former CEO of Thinkfactory Media Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys, Walker Texas Ranger); Oscar-nominated film director Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields, The Mission); Asylum Entertainment co-presidents Jonathan Koch and Steve Michaels; Marc Pierce, co-owner and CEO of Montana-based Warm Springs Productions; Craig Piligian, President and CEO of Pilgrim Media (The Ultimate Fighter, Fast ‘N Loud), and...
“I’m thrilled to announce Tce’s Board of Advisors comprised of accomplished entrepreneurs, producers, directors and writers,” said Hoogstra. “I’m so fortunate to have assembled this group of friends and colleagues who will provide guidance and expertise to both the business and creative divisions of our company.”
They are: film/TV writer and producer Chris Collins (The Wire, Sons of Anarchy, The Man in the High Castle); producer/writer director and former CEO of Thinkfactory Media Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys, Walker Texas Ranger); Oscar-nominated film director Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields, The Mission); Asylum Entertainment co-presidents Jonathan Koch and Steve Michaels; Marc Pierce, co-owner and CEO of Montana-based Warm Springs Productions; Craig Piligian, President and CEO of Pilgrim Media (The Ultimate Fighter, Fast ‘N Loud), and...
- 4/3/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Former History General Manager Dirk Hoogstra has brought in a new partner at Triton City Entertainment, the digital venture he launched last year, tapping former Rockstar Games Director of Illustration, Anthony Macbain, as Director of Illustration. Macbain will work closely with previously announced Art Director and Gm, Paul Weil. Triton City Entertainment, which used crowdsourcing for its initial funding, is focused on creating intellectual property in sci-fi, fantasy…...
- 2/21/2018
- Deadline TV
History channel president and general manager Jana Bennett is stepping down from her post, the network announced Friday. The executive took the top post on the cable network in 2015, where she succeeded Dirk Hoogstra. Paul Cabana, History’s Svp of Programming, will oversee the channel until a new president and Gm is named. Also Read: History's New Slate Includes Marvel-dc Comics Origin Stories Doc 'Superheroes Decoded' “This spring, Jana came to me and told me that she wanted to split her time between London and NY and start a new entrepreneurial venture aimed at creating the best of British and American content for.
- 5/5/2017
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
Gladiator co-writer David Franzoni is returning to the arena for Colosseum, a drama series at Stephen David Entertainment (Sons Of Liberty) that is set in the world of the Roman Empire's gladiatorial games. This marks the first major drama project announced since the Banijay Group-owned Sde brought in former History Gm Dirk Hoogstra as chief creative officer with the goal to make a push into scripted programming. David and Hoogstra will executive produce Colosseum along…...
- 6/20/2016
- Deadline TV
On the heels of Stephen David Entertainment signaling a major expansion into scripted television with the appointment of Dirk Hoogstra as Chief Creative Officer, the company has signed with Wme. It was previously repped by CAA. The Banijay Entertainment-owned independent studio is known for David’s docudrama series that blend documentary and reenactments utilizing CGI and state-of-the art technology, including The Men Who Built America and The World Wars at History as…...
- 12/15/2015
- Deadline TV
Former History Channel general manager Dirk Hoogstra has been named Chief Creative Officer at Stephen David Entertainment, the company announced Thursday. In his new role, Hoogstra will be responsible for development, packaging, sales and shepherding new and current projects in the rapidly growing premium content space. Hoogstra will also be active in securing international financing and co-productions for U.S. broadcast partners. “I’ve spent the last few months looking for the right person to take advantage of all the opportunities Sde now has with Banijay, and Dirk definitely is that person,” said Stephen David in a statement. “Because of Banijay Sde’s ability.
- 11/12/2015
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
Dirk Hoogstra, former general manager of History and H2, has joined Stephen David Entertainment as chief creative officer. This is a high-profile executive hire for David’s Banijay Entertainment-owned independent studio. Hoogstra will oversee development, packaging and sales, shepherding new and current projects. Hoogstra left History in September to return to producing. David, who had supplied projects for Hoogstra during his executive stints at TLC and History, was…...
- 11/12/2015
- Deadline TV
History Channel President/Gm Dirk Hoogstra is history: Jana Bennett has replaced him in the role, effectively immediately. Hoogstra will head back to his roots in independent production; Bennett hails from A+E Networks Fyi and Lmn, where she also had the title of president. A search for her replacement there is already underway. In her new digs, Bennett will oversee all strategic planning, programming, marketing and brand development for History and H2 from New York City. Under Bennett’s watchful eye, Fyi was rebranded from Bio last year. It’s since grown by double digits in the ratings, securing...
- 9/18/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
There is another top level executive change at A+E Networks: Fyi and Lmn president Jana Bennett has been promoted to President and General Manager of History. Bennett replaces Dirk Hoogstra, who will return to independent producing. Word is that Hoogstra, who has been passionate about scripted TV, is leaving on good terms and would join a production company later this year. Search for Bennett's replacement at Fyi and Lmn will begin immediately. Bennett will report…...
- 9/18/2015
- Deadline TV
The deal for Sundance 2015 selection Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story Of The National Lampoon excludes television rights.
Douglas Tirola’s documentary charts the rise and fall of the iconic comedy magazine that ran from the 1970’s to the 1990’s. Tirola and Mark Monroe wrote the film.
History Films in association with Sky financed and produced Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story Of The National Lampoon, while Tirola and his 4th Row Films partner Susan Bedusa served as individual producers.
Molly Thompson, Dirk Hoogstra, John Battsek and Celia Taylor served as executive producers.
Magnolia brokered the deal with Cinetic Media, which is in talks with buyers for TV rights.
Douglas Tirola’s documentary charts the rise and fall of the iconic comedy magazine that ran from the 1970’s to the 1990’s. Tirola and Mark Monroe wrote the film.
History Films in association with Sky financed and produced Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story Of The National Lampoon, while Tirola and his 4th Row Films partner Susan Bedusa served as individual producers.
Molly Thompson, Dirk Hoogstra, John Battsek and Celia Taylor served as executive producers.
Magnolia brokered the deal with Cinetic Media, which is in talks with buyers for TV rights.
- 7/6/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
It’s almost that time of year when hordes of TV fans storm San Diego to get a sneak peek at their favorite returning shows and the upcoming season’s best new offerings at San Diego Comic-Con. Below, we’ve compiled the dates, times and locations of all the major TV related events.
We’ll be updating this page as more panels are announced, so make sure to bookmark and check back often!
PhotosFall TV Preview: Your Guide to Next Season’s New Shows and Stars
Wednesday, July 8
6 pm Preview Night exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes for Supergirl,...
We’ll be updating this page as more panels are announced, so make sure to bookmark and check back often!
PhotosFall TV Preview: Your Guide to Next Season’s New Shows and Stars
Wednesday, July 8
6 pm Preview Night exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes for Supergirl,...
- 6/10/2015
- TVLine.com
Daredevil documentary played at Sundance and SXSW.
K5 International has mounted Being Evel, the Sundance and SXSW documentary about 1970s daredevil Robert ‘Evel’ Knievel.
The firm will be selling the doc feature at the Cannes Marche from this week.
The film, directed by Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Daniel Junge (Saving Face, They Killed Sister Dorothy), tells the story of the extreme sports pioneer as well as the untold, darker tale of the man behind the cape - a one-time outlaw whose wildly dangerous career spanned 75 ramp-to-ramp motorbike jumps and saw him break every bone in his body.
The doc includes interviews with Johnny Knoxville, Tony Hawk and George Hamilton.
Being Evel is produced by History Films along with Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine and Mat Hoffman from Dickhouse Productions, and Brendan Kiernan and Justin Moore-Lewy at HeLo.
Executive producers are Molly Thompson, Susan Werbe, Dirk Hoogstra, Robert Lewis and George Hamilton.
K5 International has mounted Being Evel, the Sundance and SXSW documentary about 1970s daredevil Robert ‘Evel’ Knievel.
The firm will be selling the doc feature at the Cannes Marche from this week.
The film, directed by Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Daniel Junge (Saving Face, They Killed Sister Dorothy), tells the story of the extreme sports pioneer as well as the untold, darker tale of the man behind the cape - a one-time outlaw whose wildly dangerous career spanned 75 ramp-to-ramp motorbike jumps and saw him break every bone in his body.
The doc includes interviews with Johnny Knoxville, Tony Hawk and George Hamilton.
Being Evel is produced by History Films along with Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine and Mat Hoffman from Dickhouse Productions, and Brendan Kiernan and Justin Moore-Lewy at HeLo.
Executive producers are Molly Thompson, Susan Werbe, Dirk Hoogstra, Robert Lewis and George Hamilton.
- 5/12/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
History, A&E and Lifetime greenlight the scripted event series Roots for a new generation of viewers to simulcast on all three flagship brands; it was today announced by Dirk Hoogstra, Evp and General Manager, History.
Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like A Man) joins as executive producer and original Roots cast member and Emmy-award winning LeVar Burton boards as co-executive producer. Mark Wolper also serves as executive producer. Roots is an A+E Studios production in association with Marc Toberoff and The Wolper Organization. Roots is slated to air in 2016.
The classic miniseries Roots was a television phenomenon that had an indelible effect on American culture. Families were glued to their TV’s night after night to watch the original miniseries. It had a cast from both TV and film.
With younger more relevant actors for 2016, the casting possibilities are endless.
A+E Networks and The Wolper Organization – the...
Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like A Man) joins as executive producer and original Roots cast member and Emmy-award winning LeVar Burton boards as co-executive producer. Mark Wolper also serves as executive producer. Roots is an A+E Studios production in association with Marc Toberoff and The Wolper Organization. Roots is slated to air in 2016.
The classic miniseries Roots was a television phenomenon that had an indelible effect on American culture. Families were glued to their TV’s night after night to watch the original miniseries. It had a cast from both TV and film.
With younger more relevant actors for 2016, the casting possibilities are endless.
A+E Networks and The Wolper Organization – the...
- 4/30/2015
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
History, A&E and Lifetime have all teamed up for the scripted event series "Roots," for a new generation of viewers, to simulcast on all three flagship brands; it was announced today via press release, by Dirk Hoogstra, Evp and General Manager, at History. Will Packer joins as executive producer, and original "Roots" cast member LeVar Burton boards as co-executive producer. Mark Wolper also serves as executive producer. Lawrence Konner, Mark Rosenthal, Alison McDonald and Charles Murray are writing. Vickie Thomas is casting director. "Roots" will be an original, contemporary...
- 4/30/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Hey, "Vikings" peeps. It is with great pleasure that we can let you know, right now, that you should definitely prepare to see a brand new season 4 of your favorite show! The official renewal announcement came late last month according to TV Line. This great news means that you can definitely expect to see new spoilers and all that good stuff in the coming weeks and months. Dirk Hoogstra who is The General Manager for the History Channel, said some very positive things about the show, stating: "Vikings has raided the hearts of both audiences and critics, establishing itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television. We are so proud of our immensely talented cast and crew led by series creator Michael Hirst, whose intriguing storylines and pivotal arcs have the perfect balance of scope, smarts and bloodshed to keep our loyal fans watching and wanting more.
- 4/23/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Last month, we reported that Vikings was being renewed for a fourth season on History. Now, the cable channel has made the renewal official. Production begins this spring in Ireland.
The current third season has been averaging an 0.8 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 2.57 million viewers. Season-to-season, that's down by 25% and 41% respectively.
Here's the press release about the renewal:
History(R) Greenlights Fourth Season Of Hit Drama Series "Vikings"
#1 Cable Series Thursday Nights in Live +3
New York, New York, March 26, 2015 - History(R) has picked up a fourth season of its hit scripted series Vikings, it was announced today by Dirk Hoogstra, Evp and General Manager, History & H2. Vikings is created and written by Michael Hirst (The Tudors, Elizabeth) and five new episodes remain in the current season airing...
The current third season has been averaging an 0.8 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 2.57 million viewers. Season-to-season, that's down by 25% and 41% respectively.
Here's the press release about the renewal:
History(R) Greenlights Fourth Season Of Hit Drama Series "Vikings"
#1 Cable Series Thursday Nights in Live +3
New York, New York, March 26, 2015 - History(R) has picked up a fourth season of its hit scripted series Vikings, it was announced today by Dirk Hoogstra, Evp and General Manager, History & H2. Vikings is created and written by Michael Hirst (The Tudors, Elizabeth) and five new episodes remain in the current season airing...
- 3/27/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
History's flagship drama series "Vikings" has been renewed for a fourth season. Including Live+3 numbers, the third season's first five "Vikings" episodes are averaging 4.3 million viewers, including 2 million in the 18-49 demo, making its renewal a no-brainer. "'Vikings' has raided the hearts of both audiences and critics, establishing itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television," blurbs History Evp and General Manager Dirk Hoogstra. "We are so proud of our immensely talented cast and crew led by Michael Hirst, whose intriguing storylines and pivotal arcs have the perfect balance of scope, smarts and bloodshed to keep our loyal fans watching and wanting more." The Season 3 "Vikings" finale will be April 23. When I asked Michael Hirst in January if he was already looking forward to a bigger-and-badder Season 4, he quickly agreed. "Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We haven't finished with Paris for a start. No, I do know,...
- 3/26/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
It might not even be a big surprise for fans, but History has renewed Vikings for a fourth season. Not only is it a show that has taken off in buzz so far this season, but the ratings after only a few episodes make this a pretty obvious move.
Still, I know fans always feel better going through the season knowing that there’s more on the way.
Whether the ratings support a renewal or not, it’s good to see that the network has confidence in the show, especially as things have taken off with this season. As things wrapped last season, the show was somewhat open to go anywhere. It was almost too open, as the second season finale felt like a series finale. Now, the show has spread its wings, paying even more attention to its characters, and delivering everything fans are looking for in terms of plot arcs.
Still, I know fans always feel better going through the season knowing that there’s more on the way.
Whether the ratings support a renewal or not, it’s good to see that the network has confidence in the show, especially as things have taken off with this season. As things wrapped last season, the show was somewhat open to go anywhere. It was almost too open, as the second season finale felt like a series finale. Now, the show has spread its wings, paying even more attention to its characters, and delivering everything fans are looking for in terms of plot arcs.
- 3/26/2015
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
“Vikings” will return for a fourth season on the History Channel, the network’s Evp and general manager, Dirk Hoogstra, announced on Thursday. Five new episodes remain in the current season airing Thursdays, and the finale will air Apr. 23 in its regular 10 p.m. time slot. Production on the new season of the series created by Michael Hirst will begin this spring in Ireland. Also Read: ‘Vikings’ Creator Michael Hirst Signs First-Look Development Deal With A+E Studios “Vikings,” which is currently averaging 4.3 million total viewers this season, portrays life in the Dark Ages through the eyes of Viking society.
- 3/26/2015
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
In part because, like, no one would ever have the stones to tell Ragnar and Lagertha to shove off, History has renewed Vikings for a fourth season, it was announced on Thursday.
RelatedWhat to Watch Thursday: Vikings Prophecy and More
“Vikings has raided the hearts of both audiences and critics, establishing itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television,” History Gm Dirk Hoogstra said in a statement. “We are so proud of our immensely talented cast and crew led by [series creator] Michael Hirst, whose intriguing storylines and pivotal arcs have the perfect balance of scope, smarts and...
RelatedWhat to Watch Thursday: Vikings Prophecy and More
“Vikings has raided the hearts of both audiences and critics, establishing itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television,” History Gm Dirk Hoogstra said in a statement. “We are so proud of our immensely talented cast and crew led by [series creator] Michael Hirst, whose intriguing storylines and pivotal arcs have the perfect balance of scope, smarts and...
- 3/26/2015
- TVLine.com
Knightfall chronicles the actual events leading up to and following the persecution, downfall and burning at the stake of the Knights Templar on Friday the 13th, 1307. More than 700 years later, Friday the 13th is known as a cursed day because of this event. The scripted series is currently in development at History, said Dirk Hoogstra, Evp and General Manager, History and H2. A+E Studios is producing in association with Jeremy Renner and Don Handfield's production…...
- 3/23/2015
- Deadline TV
Elaine Frontain Bryant has been promoted to head of A&E Network Programming; Paul Cabana is taking on the same job on History. He’ll continue to lead Programming at H2. Both are being elevated from senior vice president level to executive vice presidents. “Elaine and Paul are visionary creative executives who over the past few years have been vital to the success of A+E Networks,” said Robert Sharenow, executive vice president & general manager, A&E and Lifetime, and Dirk Hoogstra, executive vice president & general manager, History and H2. “They’re both exceptional leaders with strong ties to the creative community who will.
- 3/18/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Rob Sharenow, has named A+E Networks veteran Elaine Frontain Bryant as the new head of programming at the cable family's flagship network. Dirk Hoogstra has upped Paul Cabana at the network to head of programming at History. Read More David McKillop Out as A&E Gm; Rob Sharenow to Take Over “Elaine and Paul are visionary creative executives who, over the past few years, have been vital to the success of A+E Networks,” said Sharenow, executive vp and general manager, A&E and Lifetime, and Hoogstra, executive vp and general manager, History and H2, in a joint statement. “They’re both exceptional
read more...
read more...
- 3/18/2015
- by Michael O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vikings fans, get excited. King Ragnar and the rest of the show’s battle-loving characters will be returning to your TV screens for Vikings‘ 10-episode third season on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10 p.m. on History. The network announced the news today. Vikings, which was History’s first-ever originally scripted series, was renewed for Season 3 back in March, four episodes into its second season. “Vikings has taken viewers by storm and has established itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television. With its large, passionate and loyal fan base, Vikings has cemented History firmly in the scripted series genre, just as we are the leaders in reality television,” Dirk Hoogstra, executive vice president and general manager of History & H2, said in a statement when he announced the renewal. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such an enormously talented cast and crew led by Michael Hirst whose intricately woven…...
- 12/16/2014
- by Chris King
- TVovermind.com
ITV U.S. Group chairman Paul Buccieri is leaving the company to serve as president of A&E and History Channel. Buccieri will report to A+E Networks president and CEO Nancy Dubuc and will oversee all content creation, programming, brand development and marketing for A&E and History and their affiliated brands. See photos: Fall TV Preview: 85 New and Returning Shows (Photos) A&E and History General Managers David McKillop and Dirk Hoogstra will stay on, but will now report to Buccieri. “Paul and I have a longstanding professional relationship going back to our early programming days on some of A&E's biggest hits.
- 11/4/2014
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
The History Channel has released a full trailer for their new four-hour Houdini miniseries. The show will follow the life of the legendary magician from his beginnings in desperate poverty to the worldwide fame that he gained. The series stars Adrien Brody, and it looks like it's going to be pretty damn good.
Before David Blaine and David Copperfield, there was one man whose name was synonymous with being the master of illusion and escape - Harry Houdini. Houdini follows the man behind the magic as he finds fame, engages in espionage, battles spiritualists and encounters the greatest names of the era, from U.S. presidents to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Grigori Rasputin. The drama will chronicle the life of a man who can defy death through his stunts, his visions and his mastery of illusion.
Houdini stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist) as the ace magician...
Before David Blaine and David Copperfield, there was one man whose name was synonymous with being the master of illusion and escape - Harry Houdini. Houdini follows the man behind the magic as he finds fame, engages in espionage, battles spiritualists and encounters the greatest names of the era, from U.S. presidents to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Grigori Rasputin. The drama will chronicle the life of a man who can defy death through his stunts, his visions and his mastery of illusion.
Houdini stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist) as the ace magician...
- 8/11/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
One of my favorite shows, History‘s Vikings, has announced new cast members for the new season, and it’s a group that should have you excited to see where things go.
For me, the most impressive note here is that Lothaire Bluteau will be joining the cast as Emperor Charles of France. One of the most woefully under-appreciated actors around, Bluteau may be best known at the moment for his work on The Tudors, but he was also the star of two of the best movies ever, Jesus of Montreal and Black Robe.
Also on board is Kevin Durand, another actor who doesn’t get the attention he deserves, who will hopefully be more solidly in the collective consciousness when Vikings rolls around again, because he is also in the upcoming The Strain.
Finally, relative unknown Morgane Polanski will play Emperor Charles’ daughter.
And so, despite ending last season with all eyes at home,...
For me, the most impressive note here is that Lothaire Bluteau will be joining the cast as Emperor Charles of France. One of the most woefully under-appreciated actors around, Bluteau may be best known at the moment for his work on The Tudors, but he was also the star of two of the best movies ever, Jesus of Montreal and Black Robe.
Also on board is Kevin Durand, another actor who doesn’t get the attention he deserves, who will hopefully be more solidly in the collective consciousness when Vikings rolls around again, because he is also in the upcoming The Strain.
Finally, relative unknown Morgane Polanski will play Emperor Charles’ daughter.
And so, despite ending last season with all eyes at home,...
- 6/18/2014
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
History is making another addition to its original programming with an order for a new miniseries, Sons of Liberty. Hot off the continued success of Vikings, and the critical acclaim of other miniseries efforts (like The Bible and Hatfields & McCoys), the network now aims at what looks like a pretty interesting take on the lives of the biggest names of the American Revolution.
It seems as though we’re going for a “no really, they were just actual people,” approach to things, apparently trying to show that these were real men, with real lives and real problems, who threw themselves into something, probably far beyond their expectations. That could be a story worth telling, and there are some great cast members involved. Some audiences may have to be convinced that Ryan Eggold can get them to like him after he so recently got them to hate him on The Blacklist,...
It seems as though we’re going for a “no really, they were just actual people,” approach to things, apparently trying to show that these were real men, with real lives and real problems, who threw themselves into something, probably far beyond their expectations. That could be a story worth telling, and there are some great cast members involved. Some audiences may have to be convinced that Ryan Eggold can get them to like him after he so recently got them to hate him on The Blacklist,...
- 6/5/2014
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
History has ordered its latest scripted miniseries, "Sons of Liberty," from A+E Studios and Stephen David Entertainment ("The Men Who Built America," "The World Wars"), it was announced today by Dirk Hoogstra, Executive Vice President and General Manager, History and H2. The six-part miniseries, which will start production this summer, follows a defiant and radical group of young men . Sam Adams, John Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock and Joseph Warren . as they band together in secrecy to change the course of history and make America a nation.
- 6/4/2014
- Comingsoon.net
History is moving forward with its ambitious Revolutionary War miniseries and has firmed up a star-filled cast. The cable network has ordered the six-hour Sons of Liberty, which follows “a radical group of young men — Sam Adams, John Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock and Joseph Warren — as they band together in secrecy to change the course of history and make America a nation.”
The sprawling cast includes many notable names playing famous founders: Ben Barnes (The Chronicles of Narnia) is Sam Adams, “a natural born leader with charisma and a penchant for mischief;” Ryan Eggold (The Black List) is Joseph Warren,...
The sprawling cast includes many notable names playing famous founders: Ben Barnes (The Chronicles of Narnia) is Sam Adams, “a natural born leader with charisma and a penchant for mischief;” Ryan Eggold (The Black List) is Joseph Warren,...
- 6/4/2014
- by James Hibberd
- EW - Inside TV
History and UK-based October Films have acquired rights to the marine investigation into what is believed to be the remains of the long-lost Santa Maria shipwreck. History is sponsoring the expedition to the site off the coast of Haiti and it will air it at a later date, Dirk Hoogstra, Evp and General Managers, History and H2 said today. More than five centuries after Columbus’ flagship was wrecked in the Caribbean, an archaeological team led by maritime investigator Barry Clifford believes they have located the famous vessel’s remnants. Now, Clifford, supported by History, is planning to carry out further investigations in the coming months to prove that the ship they found is indeed the Santa Maria. “All the geographical, underwater topography and archaeological evidence strongly suggest that this wreck is Columbus’ famous flagship,” Clifford said. “I am confident that a full excavation of the wreck will yield the first...
- 5/14/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
A version of this story first appeared in the May 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Dirk Hoogstra was among the architects of History's launch into scripted programming with the 2012 miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. Now the exec, who last June was promoted to the top job running the A+E-owned network and overseeing its 84 employees, is charging full bore into the genre. Oscar winner Adrien Brody headlines Houdini, set to bow this fall, and there are multiple projects in the pipeline, including the eight-hour Revolutionary War miniseries Sons of Liberty; the World War II limited series The Liberator;
read more...
read more...
- 5/1/2014
- by Marisa Guthrie
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.