U.K. film and television veterans Bob Benton and Hilary Strong have launched new U.K. and international production company The Anthology Group. The move is a reorganization of Benton’s Bob & Co. group, which he founded in 2010 and where Strong has served as CEO since September 2017. Both will continue in those roles in the new company, with former Lion Television founder Jeremy Mills serving as chairman.
The new company will be the parent of Anthology Studios, which comprises six film and television production companies, a theater production company, and an established licensing company. Bob Anthology Advisory will also come under the new banner, continuing to advise on investment opportunities.
Two of the production companies are newly formed scripted production companies Mischief Screen and Rockfleet. Mischief Screen has been created in partnership with Mischief Worldwide, the newly announced team-up of Mischief Theatre, Kenny Wax and Stage Presence, and will be headed by Strong.
The new company will be the parent of Anthology Studios, which comprises six film and television production companies, a theater production company, and an established licensing company. Bob Anthology Advisory will also come under the new banner, continuing to advise on investment opportunities.
Two of the production companies are newly formed scripted production companies Mischief Screen and Rockfleet. Mischief Screen has been created in partnership with Mischief Worldwide, the newly announced team-up of Mischief Theatre, Kenny Wax and Stage Presence, and will be headed by Strong.
- 8/22/2018
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
British investment firm Bob & Co is backing the launch of two new scripted production businesses as part of a broader reorganization of its UK production group.
It has launched Anthology Group, which is headed by Bob Benton and former Agatha Christie exec Hilary Strong and will comprise of six television and film production companies.
The new companies include Mischief Screen, which will take theater productions run by producers Kenny Wax, Stage Presence and Mischief Theatre, to television and film and will be overseen by Strong. This will include shows from its Goes Wrong theater strand, which includes performances suh as Peter Pan Goes Wrong (above) and the company claims that it has already scored a commission and is currently exploring partnerships with U.S. and international partners.
Separately, it is launching scripted drama and comedy production company Rockfleet, run by former BBC exec and Hollyoaks series producer Emma Smithwick...
It has launched Anthology Group, which is headed by Bob Benton and former Agatha Christie exec Hilary Strong and will comprise of six television and film production companies.
The new companies include Mischief Screen, which will take theater productions run by producers Kenny Wax, Stage Presence and Mischief Theatre, to television and film and will be overseen by Strong. This will include shows from its Goes Wrong theater strand, which includes performances suh as Peter Pan Goes Wrong (above) and the company claims that it has already scored a commission and is currently exploring partnerships with U.S. and international partners.
Separately, it is launching scripted drama and comedy production company Rockfleet, run by former BBC exec and Hollyoaks series producer Emma Smithwick...
- 8/22/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollyoaks boss Bryan Kirkwood has said that the soap needs to appeal to a "wider audience" again. Kirkwood, who returned to Lime Pictures in April following a two-year stint in charge of EastEnders, is currently overseeing Hollyoaks as executive producer following series producer Emma Smithwick's decision to stand down. Revealing his future plans for the show, Kirkwood told Inside Soap: "What Hollyoaks has always done very well is telling strong rites-of-passage stories for its younger characters, and in the past couple of years the show has continued to appeal to the younger viewers. "Where it needed to perform better was in appealing to a wider audience, and that's something we're doing now. I want to get back to basics and focus on family and friendships - the older and younger characters can sit alongside (more)...
- 11/20/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Good Times, Bad Times
I don’t have a lot to say here other that I actually enjoyed this past week’s drama, mostly because of the acting. I really think Sinan Eroglu has done an excellent job showing Bilal’s conflict over his sexuality, he’s probably given the best and strongest performance during this storyline. That final scene between Lucas and Bilal where they said goodbye was nicely done and I like that we’re seeing Lucas be mature enough to accept a situation for what it is, even if he may not like it.
I must admit I didn’t much care for Lucas’ attempt to ambush Bilal with his gay Muslim pal, as I think someone should never be pressured to come out, but I did like that the reality of Bilal’s situation wasn’t sugar coated in that coming out...
Good Times, Bad Times
I don’t have a lot to say here other that I actually enjoyed this past week’s drama, mostly because of the acting. I really think Sinan Eroglu has done an excellent job showing Bilal’s conflict over his sexuality, he’s probably given the best and strongest performance during this storyline. That final scene between Lucas and Bilal where they said goodbye was nicely done and I like that we’re seeing Lucas be mature enough to accept a situation for what it is, even if he may not like it.
I must admit I didn’t much care for Lucas’ attempt to ambush Bilal with his gay Muslim pal, as I think someone should never be pressured to come out, but I did like that the reality of Bilal’s situation wasn’t sugar coated in that coming out...
- 10/10/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Langford’S Picks And Pans
EastEnders
I’m kind of torn about this past week’s EastEnders. On one hand, I’m enjoying this final arc for Christian and Syed and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. It’s really nice to see Christian and Syed in a solid storyline that is actually about them and their relationship. They have gotten very little of that over the past couple of years as the show has allowed them to languish on the backburner, even as they proved to be a very popular and beloved duo. The writers simply, for whatever reason, didn’t want to write for them.
And to me, this storyline shows that when the show actually gives them the material, they can be compelling. I just wish the material was a bit better because I’m not quite sure if I buy Syed’s behavior.
EastEnders
I’m kind of torn about this past week’s EastEnders. On one hand, I’m enjoying this final arc for Christian and Syed and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. It’s really nice to see Christian and Syed in a solid storyline that is actually about them and their relationship. They have gotten very little of that over the past couple of years as the show has allowed them to languish on the backburner, even as they proved to be a very popular and beloved duo. The writers simply, for whatever reason, didn’t want to write for them.
And to me, this storyline shows that when the show actually gives them the material, they can be compelling. I just wish the material was a bit better because I’m not quite sure if I buy Syed’s behavior.
- 10/3/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Hollyoaks' series producer Emma Smithwick is leaving the soap after more than a year in charge, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal. Smithwick has taken the decision to leave the show and will depart next Friday (October 5). A Lime Pictures spokesperson told Digital Spy today (September 29): "After 18 months on Hollyoaks, series producer Emma Smithwick will be stepping down. Executive producers Bryan Kirkwood and Tony Wood will continue to oversee the show. "We thank Emma for all her hard work on Hollyoaks and wish her every continued success for the future." Meanwhile, Smithwick commented: "It has been an extraordinary 18 months on Hollyoaks, and I have been very fortunate to work with some of the most dedicated teams in the business - from cast and crew to the writers and brilliant editorial team. "I (more)...
- 9/29/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Emmett Scanlan has suggested that his character Brendan Brady needs to evolve following his recent dark storylines. Brendan was recently at the centre of hard-hitting scenes in E4 spinoff Hollyoaks Later, which included the revelation that he was sexually abused by his father as a child. Speaking in a new interview with the Daily Star, Scanlan continued to hint that Brendan's story is heading into its final chapters. Scanlan commented: "I said to Emma Smithwick when she took over as show producer, 'Can we take him to a really dark place? I want to break boundaries'. She had already thought about that. She championed Brendan. She pumped blood back into him. (more)...
- 9/27/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford’S Picks And Pans
La Complex
Wow. I did not see that coming, I literally screamed during the shocking cliffhanger moment from this past week’s episode. I can’t even imagine where this story is going next after that one. As I’ve said before, this storyline continues to be absolutely terrific and consistently entertaining and engaging. Yes, it’s your typical coming out drama, but the show gives us interesting twists and turns, some wonderful performances and fantastic writing to make this one of the best gay sagas currently running. There were a lot of nice moments I loved in this clip, but I first want to address something from last week’s episode since there was no column last week.
It was nice to see Kal and Tariq together again. Not because I want them to reunite, I’ve made it clear that would be unacceptable...
La Complex
Wow. I did not see that coming, I literally screamed during the shocking cliffhanger moment from this past week’s episode. I can’t even imagine where this story is going next after that one. As I’ve said before, this storyline continues to be absolutely terrific and consistently entertaining and engaging. Yes, it’s your typical coming out drama, but the show gives us interesting twists and turns, some wonderful performances and fantastic writing to make this one of the best gay sagas currently running. There were a lot of nice moments I loved in this clip, but I first want to address something from last week’s episode since there was no column last week.
It was nice to see Kal and Tariq together again. Not because I want them to reunite, I’ve made it clear that would be unacceptable...
- 9/26/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Hollyoaks producer Emma Smithwick recently caught up with Digital Spy for an exclusive chat about the soap's future and upcoming storylines. If you haven't yet read the first part of the interview, catch up here for the latest gossip on 'Stendan', 'Stug', Hollyoaks Later and more. Here, though, Soap Scoop presents some extra character teasers and gossip from Emma. Will Mercedes get her comeuppance, and is there a danger of her become irredeemable after the stabbing?
"It's amazing - Mercedes gets away with blue murder (not literally!) all the time, and yet there's so much love for that character. There most definitely will be a comeuppance. With the stabbing, she did it so coolly and lied about it so easily - that can't last forever. "Mercedes is a woman who is driven by her insecurities. She thinks she loves (more)...
"It's amazing - Mercedes gets away with blue murder (not literally!) all the time, and yet there's so much love for that character. There most definitely will be a comeuppance. With the stabbing, she did it so coolly and lied about it so easily - that can't last forever. "Mercedes is a woman who is driven by her insecurities. She thinks she loves (more)...
- 8/21/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neil Newbon has proclaimed that the new series of Hollyoaks Later will shock viewers. The Simon Walker actor teased the return of the E4 spinoff, which will air as five hour-long episodes transmitted on consecutive nights across one week. Newbon told Inside Soap: "It's absolute dynamite. It's going to be unlike anything you've ever seen before in the show." Producer Emma Smithwick revealed in May that fan favourite Brendan Brady (Emmett Scanlan), will play a major part this year, meaning (more)...
- 7/26/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks bosses have given fans a sneak peek at the new-look Dog in the Pond. Viewers recently saw The Dog's owner Riley Costello (Rob Norbury) order a refurbishment of the pub, leading to major building work which disrupted the lives of the Osbornes. While the transformation process is still under way on screen, Hollyoaks' series producer Emma Smithwick has now used Twitter (more)...
- 4/19/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Channel 4 has announced that a Hollyoaks app is currently in the works. The broadcaster is currently searching for companies to produce a tie-in application for the soap, with Hollyoaks producer Lime Pictures beginning to brief agencies. Hollyoaks producer Emma Smithwick has previously spoken about hopes of trying out new ways of producing content based on the soap. Channel 4's drama multiplatform commissioner Hilary Perkins will also be involved with the app's creation, reports Broadcast Now. Meanwhile, Channel 4 has ditched plans for an interactive play-along game (more)...
- 3/1/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Emma Smithwick has declared her desire to introduce more "strong, smart" women to Hollyoaks. The Channel 4 soap's producer hopes that she can transform viewers' perceptions of female characters. Recalling her thoughts when she took on her role last year, Smithwick told the Radio Times: "There weren't enough strong, smart and intelligent women for my liking," she says. "At a stretch, I might have considered having a drink with Texas. "I'm passionate about the portrayal of women in the media in general and specifically on television that's aimed at a younger audience. I'm determined to be part of the solution and not part of the problem." She continued: "I want to redefine what sexy and glamorous is in Hollyoaks. I don't (more)...
- 2/10/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Days of Our Lives
Thank God it’s over. That’s what I thought at the end of last Friday’s episode when the show finally brought the horrible website storyline to a close. And aside from the fact that it’s finished, there’s nothing positive to say about this plot, which was terrible from first scene to last. There were so many things wrong with this storyline, and they were exemplified by this week's episodes. Plot holes and poor characterization abounded. And the acting was painful to watch, with the bit players and the show’s regular performers equally bad. But most of all, there were two things about these episodes that were particularly disturbing.
Sonny and Austin got to play hero in this bad storyline…
One, how all the women stood around and looked helpless and waited for the men to rescue them.
Days of Our Lives
Thank God it’s over. That’s what I thought at the end of last Friday’s episode when the show finally brought the horrible website storyline to a close. And aside from the fact that it’s finished, there’s nothing positive to say about this plot, which was terrible from first scene to last. There were so many things wrong with this storyline, and they were exemplified by this week's episodes. Plot holes and poor characterization abounded. And the acting was painful to watch, with the bit players and the show’s regular performers equally bad. But most of all, there were two things about these episodes that were particularly disturbing.
Sonny and Austin got to play hero in this bad storyline…
One, how all the women stood around and looked helpless and waited for the men to rescue them.
- 12/14/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Digital Spy recently had a chat with Hollyoaks' series producer Emma Smithwick to hear what the future holds for the Channel 4 soap. To read the first part of our Q&A, head over to the main piece in the Interviews section. Here in Soap Scoop, Emma chats further about a number of the show's characters... What are your future plans for Brendan and Ste?
"2012 is going to be a big year for Brendan, and it's going to be a big year for Ste. Now, I know exactly what the fans are wanting and I've had a lot of people tweet me directly to ask me what's happening with Brendan and Ste! What I think is that if Ste was to get back with Brendan, then Brendan has to change, because he's no angel. Something has to dramatically change for those two to get back together. But, as I said,...
"2012 is going to be a big year for Brendan, and it's going to be a big year for Ste. Now, I know exactly what the fans are wanting and I've had a lot of people tweet me directly to ask me what's happening with Brendan and Ste! What I think is that if Ste was to get back with Brendan, then Brendan has to change, because he's no angel. Something has to dramatically change for those two to get back together. But, as I said,...
- 12/6/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks will celebrate its most memorable moments of the year in an E4 special next month, it has been revealed. An hour-long retrospective to be screened at Christmas will look back at the best bits of 2011 and offer a sneak peek at 2012, Broadcast reports. The show was ordered by Channel 4's drama commissioning editors Roberto Troni and Marianne Buckland, and will be executive produced by Tony Wood, Carolyn Reynolds and Emma Smithwick. Hollyoaks' (more)...
- 11/25/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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