Who knew that Jewish actresses dominated Indian movies for the first decades of its 100-year history? In Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema, Danny Ben-Moshe tells the story of four extraordinary female superstars — Sulochana, Pramila, Miss Rose and Nadira — as well as popular character actor David Abraham, in a lively, audience-friendly documentary that can be over-obvious and coy at times, but is full of surprises. Following its world premiere at Mumbai, it is already booked for command performances at Indian and Jewish-themed festivals worldwide.
Entertaining rather than scholarly, the film couldn’t be farther in tone from the...
Entertaining rather than scholarly, the film couldn’t be farther in tone from the...
- 10/20/2017
- by Deborah Young
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Foundry boss will succeed David Abraham
The Foundry boss Alex Mahon has been appointed chief executive of Channel 4.
Mahon, who will replace outgoing chief executive David Abraham, was appointed chief executive of special effects firm Foundry in 2015, after stepping down as Shine Group chief executive. She led the super-indie for three years after taking over from Liz Murdoch in 2012.
Mahon becomes the broadcaster’s first female boss.
C4 chair Charles Gurassa described her as “an outstanding leader” and “highly experienced chief executive”.
“She brings an impressive combination of relevant experience and is brilliantly placed to help steer Channel 4 through the competitive challenges and opportunities ahead,” he added.
Mahon said C4’s remit “to innovate and appeal to young and diverse audiences [is] more important than ever.”
“I’m incredibly proud to be joining Channel 4 and bring to it experience both of leading creative organisations at scale and dealing with an environment of constant technological...
The Foundry boss Alex Mahon has been appointed chief executive of Channel 4.
Mahon, who will replace outgoing chief executive David Abraham, was appointed chief executive of special effects firm Foundry in 2015, after stepping down as Shine Group chief executive. She led the super-indie for three years after taking over from Liz Murdoch in 2012.
Mahon becomes the broadcaster’s first female boss.
C4 chair Charles Gurassa described her as “an outstanding leader” and “highly experienced chief executive”.
“She brings an impressive combination of relevant experience and is brilliantly placed to help steer Channel 4 through the competitive challenges and opportunities ahead,” he added.
Mahon said C4’s remit “to innovate and appeal to young and diverse audiences [is] more important than ever.”
“I’m incredibly proud to be joining Channel 4 and bring to it experience both of leading creative organisations at scale and dealing with an environment of constant technological...
- 6/5/2017
- ScreenDaily
Former Shine Group CEO Alex Mahon has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the UK’s Channel 4. Mahon replaces outgoing C4 boss David Abraham who announced his departure from one of Britain’s top TV jobs in March. It also comes on the heels of Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt’s announced exit last week. Mahon is currently CEO of Foundry, a global developer of visual effects, 3D, virtual and augmented reality for the entertainment industry. She joined Shine as…...
- 6/5/2017
- Deadline TV
After nearly seven years in the role, Jay Hunt has announced she is stepping down as Chief Creative Officer at Channel 4 at the end of September. Her departure comes just days before the broadcaster is expected to decide the channel's new chief exec after David Abraham announced he was stepping down in March. Hunt was largely expected to be the front-runner for the top job. Hunt, who joined the channel in January 2011 has led a successful creative renewal of the…...
- 6/2/2017
- Deadline TV
Upcoming slate includes new films from Steve McQueen, Mike Leigh, Lenny Abrahamson and Ben Wheatley.
Film4 boss Daniel Battsek last night confirmed that the division has secured a £25m budget for 2017/18 for the second year in a row.
The funding boost once again gives the broadcaster a significantly increased war chest on the £15m it was previously allocated and the £10-13m of BBC Films.
The division’s funding was increased to the record £25m in 2016 under the stewardship of former director David Kosse.
Speaking at the company’s annual pre-Cannes bash, Battsek, who took over from Kosse last July, praised outgoing Channel4 boss David Abraham for his commitment to Film4 and lamented the departure of Film4 head of creative Rose Garnett who is departing to lead BBC Films.
Cannes titles
Film4 has backed four of the five UK features heading to Cannes. Three play in Official Selection: Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing Of A Sacred Deer and Lynne...
Film4 boss Daniel Battsek last night confirmed that the division has secured a £25m budget for 2017/18 for the second year in a row.
The funding boost once again gives the broadcaster a significantly increased war chest on the £15m it was previously allocated and the £10-13m of BBC Films.
The division’s funding was increased to the record £25m in 2016 under the stewardship of former director David Kosse.
Speaking at the company’s annual pre-Cannes bash, Battsek, who took over from Kosse last July, praised outgoing Channel4 boss David Abraham for his commitment to Film4 and lamented the departure of Film4 head of creative Rose Garnett who is departing to lead BBC Films.
Cannes titles
Film4 has backed four of the five UK features heading to Cannes. Three play in Official Selection: Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing Of A Sacred Deer and Lynne...
- 5/12/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Digital heavyweights to speak at two-day event
Executives from Amazon, Facebook and Vevo will give their take on the future direction of the media industry at next month’s Media Summit.
Amazon Prime managing director Alex Green will offer an insight into the online giant’s strategy in the TV and video space following original commissions including The Grand Tour and The Man In The High Castle.
Elsewhere Vevo’s head of Europe Jon Gisby, a former board member of Channel 4 who helped launch its initial on-demand service 4oD, will also speak.
Gisby will offer insight into the way the music and entertainment platform uses data, premieres, archive and original content to over 21bn video views each month, including one-third of young adults in the UK.
Other highlights include Facebook Emea regional director Rob Newlan, who will explore how branded content is becoming an increasingly important area for brands and businesses and outline his view of...
Executives from Amazon, Facebook and Vevo will give their take on the future direction of the media industry at next month’s Media Summit.
Amazon Prime managing director Alex Green will offer an insight into the online giant’s strategy in the TV and video space following original commissions including The Grand Tour and The Man In The High Castle.
Elsewhere Vevo’s head of Europe Jon Gisby, a former board member of Channel 4 who helped launch its initial on-demand service 4oD, will also speak.
Gisby will offer insight into the way the music and entertainment platform uses data, premieres, archive and original content to over 21bn video views each month, including one-third of young adults in the UK.
Other highlights include Facebook Emea regional director Rob Newlan, who will explore how branded content is becoming an increasingly important area for brands and businesses and outline his view of...
- 4/25/2017
- ScreenDaily
After seven years as Chief Executive of the UK’s Channel 4, David Abraham has elected to leave his post by the end of 2017. No replacement has yet been set for what is one of Britain’s top TV jobs. Abraham has plans to launch a media business in 2018 and will remain at C4 until a new Chief Exec has been appointed. An erstwhile ad man, Abraham is a former Discovery exec who joined Channel 4 in 2010. The broadcaster is a publicly-owned but independent entity with a formal…...
- 3/14/2017
- Deadline TV
Exec plans to leave by end of 2017.
David Abraham is to step down as UK broadcaster Channel 4’s chief executive by the end of 2017.
Channel 4 mistakenly tweeted the news from its @C4Press account on Tuesday afternoon, revealing that Abraham is to return to the private sector to launch a media enterprise after seven years at the public broadcaster.
He said he is leaving to “build an organisation” that makes use of his experience “leading different kinds of innovative creative businesses,” although details of the move are unclear.
Abraham became Channel 4’s sixth chief executive in January 2010 after joining from UKTV where he held the same role for three years.
He said he had “enjoyed every day” of his tenure at C4, specifically “working with insanely talented and committed people”.
He added: “I am looking forward to working with the Channel 4 board to support and hand over to my successor and then begin...
David Abraham is to step down as UK broadcaster Channel 4’s chief executive by the end of 2017.
Channel 4 mistakenly tweeted the news from its @C4Press account on Tuesday afternoon, revealing that Abraham is to return to the private sector to launch a media enterprise after seven years at the public broadcaster.
He said he is leaving to “build an organisation” that makes use of his experience “leading different kinds of innovative creative businesses,” although details of the move are unclear.
Abraham became Channel 4’s sixth chief executive in January 2010 after joining from UKTV where he held the same role for three years.
He said he had “enjoyed every day” of his tenure at C4, specifically “working with insanely talented and committed people”.
He added: “I am looking forward to working with the Channel 4 board to support and hand over to my successor and then begin...
- 3/14/2017
- ScreenDaily
Updated: Indonesian exhibitor claims contracts were terminated illegally by Vietnamese property developer, which has made a counter claim that it was operating within the law.
Indonesia-based exhibitor Mvp Entertainment is threatening to take legal action against Vietnam’s Vincom Retail after three of its cinemas were shut down by the property developer before the end of their lease.
Mvp president Raam Punjabi, CFO Sunil Taparia and legal advisor David Abraham held a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam on Wednesday (March 8) to put forward the company’s case in the dispute, which started last year when Vincom said it was terminating Mvp’s rental agreements.
On March 1, Vincom forced the closure of three Mvp cinemas, operating under the Platinum Cineplex brand, in Vincom retail malls in Hanoi. The three cinemas, with a total of 28 screens, were located in Vincom Long Bien Plaza, Vincom Mega Mall Times City and Vincom Mega Mall Royal City.
Mvp, which...
Indonesia-based exhibitor Mvp Entertainment is threatening to take legal action against Vietnam’s Vincom Retail after three of its cinemas were shut down by the property developer before the end of their lease.
Mvp president Raam Punjabi, CFO Sunil Taparia and legal advisor David Abraham held a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam on Wednesday (March 8) to put forward the company’s case in the dispute, which started last year when Vincom said it was terminating Mvp’s rental agreements.
On March 1, Vincom forced the closure of three Mvp cinemas, operating under the Platinum Cineplex brand, in Vincom retail malls in Hanoi. The three cinemas, with a total of 28 screens, were located in Vincom Long Bien Plaza, Vincom Mega Mall Times City and Vincom Mega Mall Royal City.
Mvp, which...
- 3/8/2017
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4’s foreign-language drama platform is to launch as a subscription service in the Us in March, marking its first launch outside the UK.
As first reported by Broadcast in November, Walter Presents - Channel 4’s foreign-language drama platform - will launch online at WalterPresents.com, and via key digital platforms, with subscriptions costing $6.99 (£5.60) per month for ad-free viewing.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said the Us launch of Walter Presents, which represents Channel 4’s first major investment outside the UK, was the “first step in a planned global roll-out.”
Walter Presents will debut with 34 box sets, including Norwegian noir Valkyrien and French political thriller Spin.
More than 500 hours of programming will feature on the platform in its first year. As in the UK, two series are to premiere each month.
Founder and host Walter Iuzzolino and his partners at Global Series Network, former Fox channels boss Jason Thorp and ex-Tiger Aspect exec Jo McGrath...
As first reported by Broadcast in November, Walter Presents - Channel 4’s foreign-language drama platform - will launch online at WalterPresents.com, and via key digital platforms, with subscriptions costing $6.99 (£5.60) per month for ad-free viewing.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said the Us launch of Walter Presents, which represents Channel 4’s first major investment outside the UK, was the “first step in a planned global roll-out.”
Walter Presents will debut with 34 box sets, including Norwegian noir Valkyrien and French political thriller Spin.
More than 500 hours of programming will feature on the platform in its first year. As in the UK, two series are to premiere each month.
Founder and host Walter Iuzzolino and his partners at Global Series Network, former Fox channels boss Jason Thorp and ex-Tiger Aspect exec Jo McGrath...
- 2/1/2017
- ScreenDaily
FilmRise has acquired all Us and Canadian rights to Vadim Jean’s Angola Three documentary, which Content Media represents for international sales at the market.
Content’s executive vice-president of sales and distribution Jonathan Ford negotiated the deal with FilmRise’s Max Einhorn.
Cruel And Unusual centres on the plight of Albert Woodfox, Herman Wallace and Robert King, who were released after decades in solitary confinement. The trio speak on film about their ordeal.
Ford launched sales at Afm and has introduced a promo. Jean produced with Paul Brooks, Ian Sharples and Claudia Morris. Executive producers are Scott Niemeyer, Norm Wait and David Abraham.
Content’s Afm slate includes comedy An Actor Prepares with Jeremy Irons and Jack Huston; documentary Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story; and Dan Bush’s supernatural heist thriller The Vault starring James Franco, Francesca Eastwoord, Taryn Manning and Scott Haze.
Content’s executive vice-president of sales and distribution Jonathan Ford negotiated the deal with FilmRise’s Max Einhorn.
Cruel And Unusual centres on the plight of Albert Woodfox, Herman Wallace and Robert King, who were released after decades in solitary confinement. The trio speak on film about their ordeal.
Ford launched sales at Afm and has introduced a promo. Jean produced with Paul Brooks, Ian Sharples and Claudia Morris. Executive producers are Scott Niemeyer, Norm Wait and David Abraham.
Content’s Afm slate includes comedy An Actor Prepares with Jeremy Irons and Jack Huston; documentary Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story; and Dan Bush’s supernatural heist thriller The Vault starring James Franco, Francesca Eastwoord, Taryn Manning and Scott Haze.
- 11/4/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: In his first official interview, Film4’s new chief talks strategy, challenges and striking a balance between UK and Us shoots
Two months into his new job as the director of Film4, Daniel Battsek is feeling confident that the transition period between himself and former head David Kosse - who stepped down this year to become president of international at Stx Entertainment - has been “as seamless as we could make it”.
While his official start was early July, Battsek says he has effectively been “part of the overall team” since Cannes. The first few months have been spent familiarising himself with the material on Film4’s slate at various stages of development, getting to know the team “some of whom I know very well, and some of who I don’t know at all”, and meeting with the UK industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed being in the office getting to know the films, the great team...
Two months into his new job as the director of Film4, Daniel Battsek is feeling confident that the transition period between himself and former head David Kosse - who stepped down this year to become president of international at Stx Entertainment - has been “as seamless as we could make it”.
While his official start was early July, Battsek says he has effectively been “part of the overall team” since Cannes. The first few months have been spent familiarising himself with the material on Film4’s slate at various stages of development, getting to know the team “some of whom I know very well, and some of who I don’t know at all”, and meeting with the UK industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed being in the office getting to know the films, the great team...
- 9/6/2016
- by matt.mueller@screendaily.com (Matt Mueller)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Film4 boss talks strategy, challenges and striking a balance between UK and Us shoots
Two months into his new job as the new director of Film4, Daniel Battsek is already feeling confident that the transition period between himself and former head David Kosse - who stepped down this year to become president of international at Stx Entertainment - has been “as seamless as we could make it”.
While his official start was early July, Battsek says he has effectively been “part of the overall team” since Cannes. The first few months have been spent familiarising himself with the material on Film4’s slate at various stages of development, getting to know the team “some of whom I know very well, and some of who I don’t know at all”, and meeting with the UK industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed being in the office getting to know the films, the great team...
Two months into his new job as the new director of Film4, Daniel Battsek is already feeling confident that the transition period between himself and former head David Kosse - who stepped down this year to become president of international at Stx Entertainment - has been “as seamless as we could make it”.
While his official start was early July, Battsek says he has effectively been “part of the overall team” since Cannes. The first few months have been spent familiarising himself with the material on Film4’s slate at various stages of development, getting to know the team “some of whom I know very well, and some of who I don’t know at all”, and meeting with the UK industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed being in the office getting to know the films, the great team...
- 9/6/2016
- by matt.mueller@screendaily.com (Matt Mueller)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Film4 boss talks strategy, challenges and striking a balance between UK and Us shoots
Two months into his new job as the new director of Film4, Daniel Battsek is already feeling confident that the transition period between himself and former head David Kosse - who stepped down this year to become president of international at Stx Entertainment - has been “as seamless as we could make it”.
While his official start was early July, Battsek says he has effectively been “part of the overall team” since Cannes. The first few months have been spent familiarising himself with the material on Film4’s slate at various stages of development, getting to know the team “some of whom I know very well, and some of who I don’t know at all”, and meeting with the UK industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed being in the office getting to know the films, the great team...
Two months into his new job as the new director of Film4, Daniel Battsek is already feeling confident that the transition period between himself and former head David Kosse - who stepped down this year to become president of international at Stx Entertainment - has been “as seamless as we could make it”.
While his official start was early July, Battsek says he has effectively been “part of the overall team” since Cannes. The first few months have been spent familiarising himself with the material on Film4’s slate at various stages of development, getting to know the team “some of whom I know very well, and some of who I don’t know at all”, and meeting with the UK industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed being in the office getting to know the films, the great team...
- 9/6/2016
- by matt.mueller@screendaily.com (Matt Mueller)
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham has announced that Daniel Battsek will join the corporation as Director of Film4, following the news that David Kosse is to step down to join Stx Entertainment.
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as President of Cohen Media Group - where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to this role Daniel was President of National Geographic Films, and before that President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films.
David Kosse will continue working for Film4 during the transition period on a consultancy basis until October.
Battsek will inherit the increased spend announced by David Abraham and David Kosse in February 2016 of £25 million for the year, with the ambition of maintaining similar increased levels of Film4 funding in future years.
Under Battsek’s leadership, Film4 will continue to seek out new partnerships like those announced with Fox Searchlight and Fp Films in February, which allow the company to take a greater stake in certain projects, with a view to seeing more of the returns flowing back to Film4 for investment in the company’s future slate.
Battsek also inherits a development slate which includes new work from Lenny Abrahamson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrew Haigh, Steve McQueen, Martin McDonagh, Clio Barnard, Bart Layton, Garth Davis and Mike Leigh. as well as completed or near completed films from Andrea Arnold, Ben Wheatley, Ang Lee, Paddy Considine, Susanna White, John Cameron Mitchell, acclaimed theatre director Benedict Andrews, newcomer Toby Macdonald and Danny Boyle.
Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham commented: “Daniel Battsek’s passion for independent, filmmaker driven cinema, and experience in film production, development and distribution at the highest level in both the Us and UK markets, are second to none. He’s a perfect fit for the Film4 brand. We’re thrilled to bring this talented British executive back to the UK.
“As demonstrated by our record breaking year at both the Oscars and the BAFTAs, Daniel will inherit a Film4 business in fine creative and commercial health from David Kosse. We’re sad he couldn’t have been with us longer but he’s had an incredible impact in the time he has led the division. Both the exciting upcoming slate and the increased funding for original film we announced earlier this year are testament to the successful strategy implemented by David. I’m delighted that he will be working alongside Daniel on a smooth transition over the summer and ensuring that it is business as usual for Film4 over this period.”
Daniel Battsek added: "I am hugely honored to have been offered this opportunity. My career began with so many of Film4's early productions and I have retained strong ties with British filmmakers throughout my time in the Us. Joining Film4 feels almost like coming full circle. I look forward to returning to the UK and putting the experience I've gained on both sides of the Atlantic to good use."
David Kosse said: "Film4 is a unique organization and a very special brand and it was a difficult decision to leave, but joining Stx at this stage is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. Over almost two years, I'm incredibly proud to have put in place a new strategy for Film4 which has boosted funding for the film industry to a record level and to have introduced an exciting new slate of high quality productions and developments with a diverse group of filmmakers. David Abraham and the Channel 4 leadership team have been fantastic partners since day one and I look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming months."
Having worked at the cutting edge of the independent sector on three continents, Battsek brings 30 years’ production, development and distribution experience to Film4. For the last three years Battsek has served as President of New York based Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of arthouse/crossover releases including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to that he spent 2½ years at National Geographic Films, where as President he acquired projects for development and production including the Oscar® nominated documentary Restrepo, as well as National Geographic branded large screen and Imax 3D projects.
Battsek relocated from the UK to New York in 2005, where he served for five years as President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films. Projects he greenlit and/or acquired there included Oscar® winners "The Queen," "No Country For Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" and Oscar® nominees "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "Happy-Go-Lucky". From 1991 to 2005, Battsek held the position of Evp and Managing Director, UK Distribution and European Production & Acquisitions at Buena Vista International, UK, where he oversaw all aspects of UK distribution for 18-25 releases per annum from Walt Disney Studios and their partners including Pixar and Miramax Films. At Bvi, Battsek also set up a Comedy Production Label in 2001 which financed and produced three films, including "Calendar Girls" and "Kinky Boots." Prior to that, Battsek spent six years as Managing Director of Palace Pictures, where he was responsible for the acquisition and distribution of quality independent titles from around the world for release in the UK, and he also spent three years as a Sales & Marketing Executive for Hoyts Entertainment in Australia, where he first cut his teeth in distribution.
Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division, which develops and co-finances films and has an established track record for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in UK and international filmmaking. Film4 has developed and/or co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years - Academy Award-winners such as Steve McQueen’s "12 Years a Slave," Danny Boyle’s "Slumdog Millionaire," Lenny Abrahamson’s "Room," Alex Garland’s "Ex Machina," Asif Kapadia’s Amy, Andrew Haigh’s "45 Years" and Phyllida Lloyd’s "The Iron Lady," in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner, Chris Morris’ "Four Lions," Shane Meadows’ "This is England," Martin McDonagh’s "Seven Psychopaths," Yann Demange’s "71," Ben Wheatley’s "High-Rise," Clio Barnard’s "The Selfish Giant," Jonathan Glazer’s "Under the Skin" and David Mackenzie’s "Starred Up."...
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as President of Cohen Media Group - where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to this role Daniel was President of National Geographic Films, and before that President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films.
David Kosse will continue working for Film4 during the transition period on a consultancy basis until October.
Battsek will inherit the increased spend announced by David Abraham and David Kosse in February 2016 of £25 million for the year, with the ambition of maintaining similar increased levels of Film4 funding in future years.
Under Battsek’s leadership, Film4 will continue to seek out new partnerships like those announced with Fox Searchlight and Fp Films in February, which allow the company to take a greater stake in certain projects, with a view to seeing more of the returns flowing back to Film4 for investment in the company’s future slate.
Battsek also inherits a development slate which includes new work from Lenny Abrahamson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrew Haigh, Steve McQueen, Martin McDonagh, Clio Barnard, Bart Layton, Garth Davis and Mike Leigh. as well as completed or near completed films from Andrea Arnold, Ben Wheatley, Ang Lee, Paddy Considine, Susanna White, John Cameron Mitchell, acclaimed theatre director Benedict Andrews, newcomer Toby Macdonald and Danny Boyle.
Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham commented: “Daniel Battsek’s passion for independent, filmmaker driven cinema, and experience in film production, development and distribution at the highest level in both the Us and UK markets, are second to none. He’s a perfect fit for the Film4 brand. We’re thrilled to bring this talented British executive back to the UK.
“As demonstrated by our record breaking year at both the Oscars and the BAFTAs, Daniel will inherit a Film4 business in fine creative and commercial health from David Kosse. We’re sad he couldn’t have been with us longer but he’s had an incredible impact in the time he has led the division. Both the exciting upcoming slate and the increased funding for original film we announced earlier this year are testament to the successful strategy implemented by David. I’m delighted that he will be working alongside Daniel on a smooth transition over the summer and ensuring that it is business as usual for Film4 over this period.”
Daniel Battsek added: "I am hugely honored to have been offered this opportunity. My career began with so many of Film4's early productions and I have retained strong ties with British filmmakers throughout my time in the Us. Joining Film4 feels almost like coming full circle. I look forward to returning to the UK and putting the experience I've gained on both sides of the Atlantic to good use."
David Kosse said: "Film4 is a unique organization and a very special brand and it was a difficult decision to leave, but joining Stx at this stage is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. Over almost two years, I'm incredibly proud to have put in place a new strategy for Film4 which has boosted funding for the film industry to a record level and to have introduced an exciting new slate of high quality productions and developments with a diverse group of filmmakers. David Abraham and the Channel 4 leadership team have been fantastic partners since day one and I look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming months."
Having worked at the cutting edge of the independent sector on three continents, Battsek brings 30 years’ production, development and distribution experience to Film4. For the last three years Battsek has served as President of New York based Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of arthouse/crossover releases including back-to-back Oscar® nominees "Timbuktu" and "Mustang," as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ renowned novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4. Prior to that he spent 2½ years at National Geographic Films, where as President he acquired projects for development and production including the Oscar® nominated documentary Restrepo, as well as National Geographic branded large screen and Imax 3D projects.
Battsek relocated from the UK to New York in 2005, where he served for five years as President, Filmed Entertainment at Miramax Films. Projects he greenlit and/or acquired there included Oscar® winners "The Queen," "No Country For Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" and Oscar® nominees "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "Happy-Go-Lucky". From 1991 to 2005, Battsek held the position of Evp and Managing Director, UK Distribution and European Production & Acquisitions at Buena Vista International, UK, where he oversaw all aspects of UK distribution for 18-25 releases per annum from Walt Disney Studios and their partners including Pixar and Miramax Films. At Bvi, Battsek also set up a Comedy Production Label in 2001 which financed and produced three films, including "Calendar Girls" and "Kinky Boots." Prior to that, Battsek spent six years as Managing Director of Palace Pictures, where he was responsible for the acquisition and distribution of quality independent titles from around the world for release in the UK, and he also spent three years as a Sales & Marketing Executive for Hoyts Entertainment in Australia, where he first cut his teeth in distribution.
Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division, which develops and co-finances films and has an established track record for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in UK and international filmmaking. Film4 has developed and/or co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years - Academy Award-winners such as Steve McQueen’s "12 Years a Slave," Danny Boyle’s "Slumdog Millionaire," Lenny Abrahamson’s "Room," Alex Garland’s "Ex Machina," Asif Kapadia’s Amy, Andrew Haigh’s "45 Years" and Phyllida Lloyd’s "The Iron Lady," in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner, Chris Morris’ "Four Lions," Shane Meadows’ "This is England," Martin McDonagh’s "Seven Psychopaths," Yann Demange’s "71," Ben Wheatley’s "High-Rise," Clio Barnard’s "The Selfish Giant," Jonathan Glazer’s "Under the Skin" and David Mackenzie’s "Starred Up."...
- 4/14/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Cohen Media Group president takes the reins at the UK broadcaster following David Kosse’s appointment at Stx.
Cohen Media Group president Daniel Battsek is to take the reins at Film4 as its new director, UK broadcaster Channel 4 has confirmed.
As previously revealed by Screen, the former Miramax Films president emerged as the clear favourite for the job following the departure of David Kosse who is leaving to join Us mini-studio Stx Entertainment as president of international.
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as president of distributor Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar nominees Timbuktu and Mustang, as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ hit novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4.
The handover is understood to have been in the works for a matter of months with outgoing...
Cohen Media Group president Daniel Battsek is to take the reins at Film4 as its new director, UK broadcaster Channel 4 has confirmed.
As previously revealed by Screen, the former Miramax Films president emerged as the clear favourite for the job following the departure of David Kosse who is leaving to join Us mini-studio Stx Entertainment as president of international.
Battsek will join Film4 in July, relocating to the UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as president of distributor Cohen Media Group, where he has overseen the acquisition and release of projects including back-to-back Oscar nominees Timbuktu and Mustang, as well as a development and production slate of films that includes John Williams’ hit novel Stoner, a co-production with Film4.
The handover is understood to have been in the works for a matter of months with outgoing...
- 4/8/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Cohen Media Group’s Daniel Battsek has been confirmed as David Kosse’s replacement at Film4. Channel 4 chief exec David Abraham today announced that Battsek will join the corporation as Director of Film4, following David Kosse’s departure to Stx Entertainment. "Daniel Battsek's passion for independent, filmmaker driven cinema, and experience in film production, development and distribution at the highest level in both the Us and UK markets, are second to none,” Channel 4…...
- 4/8/2016
- Deadline TV
Cohen Media Group’s Daniel Battsek has been confirmed as David Kosse’s replacement at Film4. Channel 4 chief exec David Abraham today announced that Battsek will join the corporation as Director of Film4, following David Kosse’s departure to Stx Entertainment. "Daniel Battsek's passion for independent, filmmaker driven cinema, and experience in film production, development and distribution at the highest level in both the Us and UK markets, are second to none,” Channel 4…...
- 4/8/2016
- Deadline
Screen canvassed the UK industry for reaction to the surprise news.
“Are you sure it is not an April Fool’s day gag?” was among the responses from UK industry to David Kosse’s shock decision to quit Film4 after only 18 months.
“It is a bit of a surprise because they had just announced this new infusion of money which seemed to be part and parcel of David’s raison d’etre - to make Film4 more impactful in a financial way on the industry,” said BAFTA-winning producer Stephen Woolley of Number 9 Films.
Woolley was among industry Screen spoke to who questioned whether Kosse - who is to leaving to head up Stx’s international division - has been in the job long enough to leave a discernable legacy.
“It doesn’t seem as if he (Kosse) has been there long enough to make any kind of impact or to have left any kind of legacy...
“Are you sure it is not an April Fool’s day gag?” was among the responses from UK industry to David Kosse’s shock decision to quit Film4 after only 18 months.
“It is a bit of a surprise because they had just announced this new infusion of money which seemed to be part and parcel of David’s raison d’etre - to make Film4 more impactful in a financial way on the industry,” said BAFTA-winning producer Stephen Woolley of Number 9 Films.
Woolley was among industry Screen spoke to who questioned whether Kosse - who is to leaving to head up Stx’s international division - has been in the job long enough to leave a discernable legacy.
“It doesn’t seem as if he (Kosse) has been there long enough to make any kind of impact or to have left any kind of legacy...
- 4/2/2016
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Broadcaster “will be announcing successor imminently”; Screen understands from multiple sources that Daniel Battsek is front-runner for the job.
A Channel 4 spokesperson has issued the following statement after the breaking news that Film4 head David Kosse is to leave the organisation to join Stx Entertainment:
“David Kosse made David Abraham aware of his decision to leave Film4 several months ago and we will be announcing his successor imminently. David leaves on good terms with the organisation and will work on the transition with his successor at Film4 on a consultancy basis until October.”
In an interview with Screen, Kosse said that he and Abraham have worked out “a really good and smooth” succession plan.
Kosse said that he wasn’t looking for a new job after steering Film4 on a more commercial path but that “an opportunity of this scale to work with people you know and with Us partners was very enticing.”
He also confirmed...
A Channel 4 spokesperson has issued the following statement after the breaking news that Film4 head David Kosse is to leave the organisation to join Stx Entertainment:
“David Kosse made David Abraham aware of his decision to leave Film4 several months ago and we will be announcing his successor imminently. David leaves on good terms with the organisation and will work on the transition with his successor at Film4 on a consultancy basis until October.”
In an interview with Screen, Kosse said that he and Abraham have worked out “a really good and smooth” succession plan.
Kosse said that he wasn’t looking for a new job after steering Film4 on a more commercial path but that “an opportunity of this scale to work with people you know and with Us partners was very enticing.”
He also confirmed...
- 4/1/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
As the Berlin Film Festival and European Film Market get under way, British digital television channel Film4 has announced a flurry of news, including an agreement with Fox Searchlight Pictures to co-finance Martin McDonagh‘s “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” along with producer Blueprint Pictures. Additionally, Film4, Entertainment Film Distributors and production company Fp Films (set up by “The Inbetweeners” creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley) have announced a two-year development, production and distribution deal that covers a slate of four new comedy features. Finally, Film4 director David Kosse and Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham revealed that the funding budget of.
- 2/9/2016
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
New deals announced with Fox Searchlight and The Inbetweeners creators Fp Films in statement of intent from Film4 boss David Kosse.
Film4 has announced a major increase in its funding, which will rise from $22m to $36m (£15m to £25m) for 2016.
The substantial funding increase will also include two major new partnerships: a co-financing deal with Fox Searchlight for In Bruges director Martin McDonagh’s new film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; and a new two-year partnership with Entertainment Film Distributors (Efd) and Fp Films, the production company set up by The Inbetweeners creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, for four new comedy feature films.
The funding boost and new partnerships demonstrate the scale of Film4’s future ambitions, and represent a major coup for director of Film4 David Kosse as well as a huge vote of confidence from Channel 4 in his vision for the company’s film division.
Interview: [link=co...
Film4 has announced a major increase in its funding, which will rise from $22m to $36m (£15m to £25m) for 2016.
The substantial funding increase will also include two major new partnerships: a co-financing deal with Fox Searchlight for In Bruges director Martin McDonagh’s new film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; and a new two-year partnership with Entertainment Film Distributors (Efd) and Fp Films, the production company set up by The Inbetweeners creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, for four new comedy feature films.
The funding boost and new partnerships demonstrate the scale of Film4’s future ambitions, and represent a major coup for director of Film4 David Kosse as well as a huge vote of confidence from Channel 4 in his vision for the company’s film division.
Interview: [link=co...
- 2/9/2016
- by matt.mueller@screendaily.com (Matt Mueller)
- ScreenDaily
New deals announced with Fox Searchlight and The Inbetweeners creators Fp Films in statement of intent from Film4 boss David Kosse.
Film4 has announced a major increase in its funding, which will rise from $22m to $36m (£15m to £25m) for 2016.
The substantial funding increase will also include two major new partnerships: a co-financing deal with Fox Searchlight for In Bruges director Martin McDonagh’s new film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; and a new two-year partnership with Entertainment Film Distributors (Efd) and Fp Films, the production company set up by The Inbetweeners creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, for four new comedy feature films.
The funding boost and new partnerships demonstrate the scale of Film4’s future ambitions, and represent a major coup for director of Film4 David Kosse as well as a huge vote of confidence from Channel 4 in his vision for the company’s film division.
Interview: [link=co...
Film4 has announced a major increase in its funding, which will rise from $22m to $36m (£15m to £25m) for 2016.
The substantial funding increase will also include two major new partnerships: a co-financing deal with Fox Searchlight for In Bruges director Martin McDonagh’s new film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; and a new two-year partnership with Entertainment Film Distributors (Efd) and Fp Films, the production company set up by The Inbetweeners creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, for four new comedy feature films.
The funding boost and new partnerships demonstrate the scale of Film4’s future ambitions, and represent a major coup for director of Film4 David Kosse as well as a huge vote of confidence from Channel 4 in his vision for the company’s film division.
Interview: [link=co...
- 2/9/2016
- by matt.mueller@screendaily.com (Matt Mueller)
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 will fund six bursaries over three years.
Ashridge Executive Education has launched a new executive Mba for the creative industries with the support of Creative Skillset and David Puttnam’s education company Atticus.
The two-year online programme, which will include three weeks of tuition at Ashridge’s Grade 1-listed Hertfordshire country-house base, will begin in October and has been developed with strong creative input from Lord Puttnam and senior industry figures including Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham.
Aimed at people already in high-level positions in the creative industries, the Mba has been developed to foster new leaders able to skillfully navigate the challenges of the digital era. Channel 4 will fund two bursaries per year for the next three years.
“The world is changing and this is the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle,” said Puttnam at the launch event at BAFTA’s Piccadilly headquarters. “We’ve pretty well covered the industry in terms...
Ashridge Executive Education has launched a new executive Mba for the creative industries with the support of Creative Skillset and David Puttnam’s education company Atticus.
The two-year online programme, which will include three weeks of tuition at Ashridge’s Grade 1-listed Hertfordshire country-house base, will begin in October and has been developed with strong creative input from Lord Puttnam and senior industry figures including Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham.
Aimed at people already in high-level positions in the creative industries, the Mba has been developed to foster new leaders able to skillfully navigate the challenges of the digital era. Channel 4 will fund two bursaries per year for the next three years.
“The world is changing and this is the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle,” said Puttnam at the launch event at BAFTA’s Piccadilly headquarters. “We’ve pretty well covered the industry in terms...
- 1/28/2016
- ScreenDaily
Idris Elba has argued that UK television is in need of a “Magna Carta moment” on diversity and is still failing to reflect modern Britain.
The star of Luther and Prometheus called for a “change of mind-set” in broadcasting during an address at the Houses of Parliament as part of an event that marked a year since the launch of UK broadcaster Channel 4’s 360° Diversity Charter.
London-born Elba, who moved to New York shortly after beginning his career as an actor, said more should be done to ensure British black, Asian and minority ethnic talent prosper at home.
He said: “I never saw myself or my culture on TV so I stopped watching TV. Instead I decided to just go out and become TV. I had to transform the way the industry saw me. I had to climb out of the box. In other words, I didn’t go to America because I couldn’t get parts...
The star of Luther and Prometheus called for a “change of mind-set” in broadcasting during an address at the Houses of Parliament as part of an event that marked a year since the launch of UK broadcaster Channel 4’s 360° Diversity Charter.
London-born Elba, who moved to New York shortly after beginning his career as an actor, said more should be done to ensure British black, Asian and minority ethnic talent prosper at home.
He said: “I never saw myself or my culture on TV so I stopped watching TV. Instead I decided to just go out and become TV. I had to transform the way the industry saw me. I had to climb out of the box. In other words, I didn’t go to America because I couldn’t get parts...
- 1/19/2016
- ScreenDaily
Donation to fund new building and bursary for socially disadvantaged students
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced plans to donate £1.5m ($2.2m) to the National Film and Television School (Nfts) to help boost and widen the pipeline of new industry talent in the creative industries.
Some £1m of the C4 investment will help fund an expansion of the Nfts to accommodate its new Creative Industries Skills Academy – increasing the capacity of its Beaconsfield Studios site in Buckinghamshire.
A further £500,000 will fund a C4 bursary scheme at the school to run over five years, directly aimed at increasing social mobility within the creative industries. This will be used to enable 20 students a year from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly outside London across the UK nations and regions, to study at the school.
C4 CEO David Abraham said: “The Nfts is a world leader and a vital source of talent for the UK creative industries and Channel 4 has the...
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced plans to donate £1.5m ($2.2m) to the National Film and Television School (Nfts) to help boost and widen the pipeline of new industry talent in the creative industries.
Some £1m of the C4 investment will help fund an expansion of the Nfts to accommodate its new Creative Industries Skills Academy – increasing the capacity of its Beaconsfield Studios site in Buckinghamshire.
A further £500,000 will fund a C4 bursary scheme at the school to run over five years, directly aimed at increasing social mobility within the creative industries. This will be used to enable 20 students a year from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly outside London across the UK nations and regions, to study at the school.
C4 CEO David Abraham said: “The Nfts is a world leader and a vital source of talent for the UK creative industries and Channel 4 has the...
- 1/13/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 is launching a foreign-language drama service.
The broadcaster will make the very best series from around the world available on-demand to UK viewers from this autumn.
4World Drama will make more than 500 hours of drama available to view on All 4, with a selection also airing on More 4.
Channel 4 has partnered up with the Global Series Network to launch the new service.
Channel 4 Chief Executive, David Abraham, said: "We've seen from the response to titles like The Returned on Channel 4 that there's a real appetite for quality international drama from UK viewers - but only a small selection of foreign-language series have been able to get a UK broadcast partner.
"This new service will be a fantastic showcase for creative talent around the world and an innovative addition to All 4."
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has said that there are no current plans to privatise Channel 4.
The broadcaster will make the very best series from around the world available on-demand to UK viewers from this autumn.
4World Drama will make more than 500 hours of drama available to view on All 4, with a selection also airing on More 4.
Channel 4 has partnered up with the Global Series Network to launch the new service.
Channel 4 Chief Executive, David Abraham, said: "We've seen from the response to titles like The Returned on Channel 4 that there's a real appetite for quality international drama from UK viewers - but only a small selection of foreign-language series have been able to get a UK broadcast partner.
"This new service will be a fantastic showcase for creative talent around the world and an innovative addition to All 4."
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has said that there are no current plans to privatise Channel 4.
- 6/9/2015
- Digital Spy
Exclusive: Film4 boards distribution of Amy Winehouse doc.
Film4 has boarded TV rights to Asif Kapadia’s anticipated Amy Winehouse documentary Amy, which screens as a Midnight Screening in Cannes on Saturday (May 16).
In a rare move, David Kosse’s Film4 has taken rights to the doc biopic about the iconic singer ahead of its debut, despite not being part of the film’s original finance.
The deal was struck with Alison Thompson’s Cornerstone, which handles rights to the film.
The UK broadcaster is understood to have been a long-time fan of the project and Senna director Kapadia.
Former Universal distribution exec Kosse, who took over from Tessa Ross at Film4 last year, has talked recently about the need for the funder to see commercial as well as creative returns on its slate and C4 chief executive David Abraham has introduced a strategy to take minority stakes in TV production companies, meaning it is securing...
Film4 has boarded TV rights to Asif Kapadia’s anticipated Amy Winehouse documentary Amy, which screens as a Midnight Screening in Cannes on Saturday (May 16).
In a rare move, David Kosse’s Film4 has taken rights to the doc biopic about the iconic singer ahead of its debut, despite not being part of the film’s original finance.
The deal was struck with Alison Thompson’s Cornerstone, which handles rights to the film.
The UK broadcaster is understood to have been a long-time fan of the project and Senna director Kapadia.
Former Universal distribution exec Kosse, who took over from Tessa Ross at Film4 last year, has talked recently about the need for the funder to see commercial as well as creative returns on its slate and C4 chief executive David Abraham has introduced a strategy to take minority stakes in TV production companies, meaning it is securing...
- 5/14/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 has announced the establishment of a new games publishing arm.
All 4 Games will launch this Summer in Glasgow and be led by Channel 4's current Games Commissioning Editor Colin Macdonald.
"Channel 4 is renowned for working with growing creative companies and I'm delighted that we're able to throw even more of its weight behind the games industry," said Macdonald.
"With over 1.5m apps for users to choose from now, discoverability has become the biggest problem facing mobile game developers so it's exciting to be able to do even more to support them and promote their amazing work to a wider audience."
Chief Executive of Channel 4 David Abraham added: "Channel 4 has a successful record for commissioning critically acclaimed games.
"I'm pleased that with the launch of All 4 Games we are able to extend our support for this hugely important part of the creative sector and help...
All 4 Games will launch this Summer in Glasgow and be led by Channel 4's current Games Commissioning Editor Colin Macdonald.
"Channel 4 is renowned for working with growing creative companies and I'm delighted that we're able to throw even more of its weight behind the games industry," said Macdonald.
"With over 1.5m apps for users to choose from now, discoverability has become the biggest problem facing mobile game developers so it's exciting to be able to do even more to support them and promote their amazing work to a wider audience."
Chief Executive of Channel 4 David Abraham added: "Channel 4 has a successful record for commissioning critically acclaimed games.
"I'm pleased that with the launch of All 4 Games we are able to extend our support for this hugely important part of the creative sector and help...
- 4/17/2015
- Digital Spy
Dinah Caine is to become chair of the Creative Skillset board, prompting the training body to begin a hunt to replace her in the chief executive role.
Caine, who has been Creative Skillset’s chief executive since 1992, will replace Sonar Entertainment director Stewart Till, who has completed his five-year term. She will take up the position following the appointment of a new chief executive.
During her time in the role, Caine has delivered initiatives including online employment platform Hiive and the introduction of the Skills Investment Funds.
To coincide with the move, Endemol Shine Group chief executive Sophie Turner-Laing and Pinewood Group chief executive Ivan Dunleavy, have been appointed to the Creative Skillset board.
They will join board members including Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham and BBC North director Peter Salmon.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work to strengthen our partnerships with Government and to supporting the new chief executive as they lead...
Caine, who has been Creative Skillset’s chief executive since 1992, will replace Sonar Entertainment director Stewart Till, who has completed his five-year term. She will take up the position following the appointment of a new chief executive.
During her time in the role, Caine has delivered initiatives including online employment platform Hiive and the introduction of the Skills Investment Funds.
To coincide with the move, Endemol Shine Group chief executive Sophie Turner-Laing and Pinewood Group chief executive Ivan Dunleavy, have been appointed to the Creative Skillset board.
They will join board members including Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham and BBC North director Peter Salmon.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work to strengthen our partnerships with Government and to supporting the new chief executive as they lead...
- 3/24/2015
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 has announced plans to relaunch 4oD as a new service called All 4.
All 4 will include all of Channel 4's digital content, channels and services in one place, and will launch in early 2015.
The new user interface will allow viewers to select programmes On Demand (past), Now (present) and On Soon (future).
All 4 will launch on PC and iOS devices at first, before being extended to other digital platforms later in 2015.
Channel 4's catch-up shows and archive programmes will be available via On Demand, along with other related programme information such as cast interviews and galleries.
The Now service will feature live broadcasts from all Channel 4 channels, as well as links to interactive content, news clips and social media feeds.
Finally, On Soon will include new programme clips and promos, along with exclusive episode premieres before they air on TV.
Chief Executive David Abraham revealed the...
All 4 will include all of Channel 4's digital content, channels and services in one place, and will launch in early 2015.
The new user interface will allow viewers to select programmes On Demand (past), Now (present) and On Soon (future).
All 4 will launch on PC and iOS devices at first, before being extended to other digital platforms later in 2015.
Channel 4's catch-up shows and archive programmes will be available via On Demand, along with other related programme information such as cast interviews and galleries.
The Now service will feature live broadcasts from all Channel 4 channels, as well as links to interactive content, news clips and social media feeds.
Finally, On Soon will include new programme clips and promos, along with exclusive episode premieres before they air on TV.
Chief Executive David Abraham revealed the...
- 9/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Britain's Channel 4 will next year launch a single online destination for all its content, whether live streaming or on-demand, CEO David Abraham said Thursday at Ibc in Amsterdam. The broadcaster's new online hub, dubbed "All 4," will "deliver the most advanced [response] to changing user behavior," he said, highlighting his desire to adjust the company's offerings to changing viewer behavior in the digital age, including the rising usage of tablets and smartphones. "Broadcasters are at a disadvantage if they separate their online and linear channel brands," Abraham argued. "We think the future is about blending
read more...
read more...
- 9/11/2014
- by Carolyn Giardina, Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More4 will broadcast a special tribute to Lord Richard Attenborough tonight (August 26).
The one-off programme will look back at the career of the actor and director, who died aged 90 on Sunday (August 24).
Steven Spielberg, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Penelope Wilton, Hayley Mills and Sir Kenneth Branagh will be among the friends and colleagues who will reflect on their memories of working with Attenborough.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and former Channel 4 Chief Executive Michael Grade will also appear.
The special will also include archive material from many of Attenborough's films, including Brighton Rock, 10 Rillington Place and Gandhi.
Channel 4's Chief Executive David Abraham said: "As well as being one of Britain's finest actors and directors, he was also one of the founding fathers of Channel 4.
"He was Deputy Chairman from 1982 to 1987, having turned down the Chairmanship as he was busy making Ghandi. He was then...
The one-off programme will look back at the career of the actor and director, who died aged 90 on Sunday (August 24).
Steven Spielberg, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Penelope Wilton, Hayley Mills and Sir Kenneth Branagh will be among the friends and colleagues who will reflect on their memories of working with Attenborough.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and former Channel 4 Chief Executive Michael Grade will also appear.
The special will also include archive material from many of Attenborough's films, including Brighton Rock, 10 Rillington Place and Gandhi.
Channel 4's Chief Executive David Abraham said: "As well as being one of Britain's finest actors and directors, he was also one of the founding fathers of Channel 4.
"He was Deputy Chairman from 1982 to 1987, having turned down the Chairmanship as he was busy making Ghandi. He was then...
- 8/26/2014
- Digital Spy
A variety of stars across TV, theatre and film have written to all major UK broadcasters calling for increased ethnic diversity on British TV and behind the camera.
Signatories on the letter, published in The Guardian today, include Lenny Henry, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Richard Curtis, Russell T Davies, Idris Elba, Neil Gaiman, David Harewood, Harry Hill, Terry Jones, Asif Kapadia, Doreen Lawrence, Jimmy McGovern, Phyllida Lloyd, Bill Nighy, Lynda La Plante, Alan Sugar, Meera Syal and Emma Thompson, among others.
Read the letter to The Guardian in full
The recipients of the letter were BBC director general Tony Hall, ITV chief executive Adam Crozier, Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham, BSkyB chief executive Jeremy Darroch and Philippe Dauman, chief executive of new Channel 5 owner Viacom.
"We are dismayed at the poor numbers of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (Bame) people both on our screens and working behind the camera," the letter reads.
Signatories on the letter, published in The Guardian today, include Lenny Henry, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Richard Curtis, Russell T Davies, Idris Elba, Neil Gaiman, David Harewood, Harry Hill, Terry Jones, Asif Kapadia, Doreen Lawrence, Jimmy McGovern, Phyllida Lloyd, Bill Nighy, Lynda La Plante, Alan Sugar, Meera Syal and Emma Thompson, among others.
Read the letter to The Guardian in full
The recipients of the letter were BBC director general Tony Hall, ITV chief executive Adam Crozier, Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham, BSkyB chief executive Jeremy Darroch and Philippe Dauman, chief executive of new Channel 5 owner Viacom.
"We are dismayed at the poor numbers of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (Bame) people both on our screens and working behind the camera," the letter reads.
- 8/20/2014
- Digital Spy
“There are always opportunities to change and grow,” Kosse tells Screen.
David Kosse has told ScreenDaily that the opportunity to work closely with the British independent film sector was his main motivation for becoming head of Film4.
“I’ve always loved the British film industry and have loved many British films over the years,” he told Screen shortly after the announcement.
“I worked with Polygram in the early 90s when I first came to live in the UK and have gone on to work closely with a number of companies.
“I worked on British independent films for a long time and the opportunity to get back to the independent sector and to work closely with filmmakers was the main reason for my decision.”
The London-based Universal Pictures executive will assume the role of director of film from November 1, replacing outgoing head Tessa Ross.
Praise and surprise
While the move has been widely praised by UK industry, many have...
David Kosse has told ScreenDaily that the opportunity to work closely with the British independent film sector was his main motivation for becoming head of Film4.
“I’ve always loved the British film industry and have loved many British films over the years,” he told Screen shortly after the announcement.
“I worked with Polygram in the early 90s when I first came to live in the UK and have gone on to work closely with a number of companies.
“I worked on British independent films for a long time and the opportunity to get back to the independent sector and to work closely with filmmakers was the main reason for my decision.”
The London-based Universal Pictures executive will assume the role of director of film from November 1, replacing outgoing head Tessa Ross.
Praise and surprise
While the move has been widely praised by UK industry, many have...
- 8/4/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
David Kosse has been appointed as the new director of Film4.
Channel 4's Chief Executive David Abraham announced Kosse's appointment earlier today (August 4), after what he described as a "very thorough search".
Kosse leaves his role as President, International at Universal Pictures, and will begin his new role at Film4 on November 1.
Speaking about the position, Kosse said: "This is undeniably one of the best jobs in the British film industry. I've always had a passion for film and filmmakers and been a huge advocate for and a supporter of the British film industry so I am really excited about joining Film4.
"Tessa Ross and her team have done a fantastic job over the past few years and I hope my experience in international production, financing and distribution will see Film4 continue to flourish.
"We want to build a slate of innovative, exciting British films which continues Film4's...
Channel 4's Chief Executive David Abraham announced Kosse's appointment earlier today (August 4), after what he described as a "very thorough search".
Kosse leaves his role as President, International at Universal Pictures, and will begin his new role at Film4 on November 1.
Speaking about the position, Kosse said: "This is undeniably one of the best jobs in the British film industry. I've always had a passion for film and filmmakers and been a huge advocate for and a supporter of the British film industry so I am really excited about joining Film4.
"Tessa Ross and her team have done a fantastic job over the past few years and I hope my experience in international production, financing and distribution will see Film4 continue to flourish.
"We want to build a slate of innovative, exciting British films which continues Film4's...
- 8/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Universal Pictures exec to replace Tessa Ross in November.
David Kosse has been named the new head of Film4, ending months of industry speculation over the appointment.
The widely-respected production and distribution executive will take up the position from November 1 after a decade at studio Universal, most recently as president of international.
He takes over from outgoing boss Tessa Ross, who leaves to become chief executive of the National Theatre in the autumn.
As director of Film4 Kosse will oversee the development, financing and green-lighting of all feature films, and support for the production and distribution of all Film4-backed releases both in the UK and internationally.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham told ScreenDaily that Kosse “really stood out” among candidates, with the decision crystalizing over the last month.
“He has built impeccable creative relationships with British and international talent and is also steeped in knowledge and experience of changing distribution models in film,” Abraham added in...
David Kosse has been named the new head of Film4, ending months of industry speculation over the appointment.
The widely-respected production and distribution executive will take up the position from November 1 after a decade at studio Universal, most recently as president of international.
He takes over from outgoing boss Tessa Ross, who leaves to become chief executive of the National Theatre in the autumn.
As director of Film4 Kosse will oversee the development, financing and green-lighting of all feature films, and support for the production and distribution of all Film4-backed releases both in the UK and internationally.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham told ScreenDaily that Kosse “really stood out” among candidates, with the decision crystalizing over the last month.
“He has built impeccable creative relationships with British and international talent and is also steeped in knowledge and experience of changing distribution models in film,” Abraham added in...
- 8/4/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Businesses from the creative sector are to plough $29m (£17m) into skills training, boosting the UK’s total investment pot to $63m (£37m).
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest...
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest...
- 7/14/2014
- ScreenDaily
Create UK, which represents 500 creative businesses, is to plough £17m into skills training, boosting the UK’s total investment pot to $63m.
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest quality...
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest quality...
- 7/14/2014
- ScreenDaily
Government will match-fund industry commitments to the tune of £16m ($27.5m).
The UK government is to match-fund creative industry investment in skills training to the tune of £16m ($27.5m) as part of a new strategy unveiled today by Business Secretary Vince Cable.
The strategy, designed to grow the Creative Industries and boost skills, will see the launch of a host of new training schemes including a specialist studio management diploma run by Pinewood Studios; a Manchester-based ITV soaps training programme for new trainees working on long-running shows Coronation Street and Emmerdale; and an Oxford-based publishing training programme.
The drive, an initiative between Government and the Creative Industries Council (Cic) - a collective of creative industries executives which is co-chaired by Facebook executive Nicola Mendelsohn, Cable and Dcms Secretary Sajid Javid - follows a successful bid by creative industry employers, led by Channel 4, and skills organisation Creative Skillset.
The collective identifies five priority areas to the future...
The UK government is to match-fund creative industry investment in skills training to the tune of £16m ($27.5m) as part of a new strategy unveiled today by Business Secretary Vince Cable.
The strategy, designed to grow the Creative Industries and boost skills, will see the launch of a host of new training schemes including a specialist studio management diploma run by Pinewood Studios; a Manchester-based ITV soaps training programme for new trainees working on long-running shows Coronation Street and Emmerdale; and an Oxford-based publishing training programme.
The drive, an initiative between Government and the Creative Industries Council (Cic) - a collective of creative industries executives which is co-chaired by Facebook executive Nicola Mendelsohn, Cable and Dcms Secretary Sajid Javid - follows a successful bid by creative industry employers, led by Channel 4, and skills organisation Creative Skillset.
The collective identifies five priority areas to the future...
- 7/2/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Broadcaster expected to decide on new Film4 head in July, Screen looks at some likely candidates.
Film4 is getting closer to appointing its new boss, with a second round of interviews understood to be underway now.
Speculation is rife within the UK industry as to potential suitors for the job, which is widely regarded as one of the most coveted in the business — in the UK and abroad.
While former Focus Features CEO James Schamus was tipped by many as a front-runner for the job a few weeks ago, the executive is now understood to be unlikely to take on the role, preferring to concentrate on his own slate (he is Ang Lee’s long-time producer) and remain in the Us.
But Film4 is still understood to be considering an international hire with a leading candidate known to be London-based David Kosse, president of international for Universal, who chose not to move to La when Universal recently...
Film4 is getting closer to appointing its new boss, with a second round of interviews understood to be underway now.
Speculation is rife within the UK industry as to potential suitors for the job, which is widely regarded as one of the most coveted in the business — in the UK and abroad.
While former Focus Features CEO James Schamus was tipped by many as a front-runner for the job a few weeks ago, the executive is now understood to be unlikely to take on the role, preferring to concentrate on his own slate (he is Ang Lee’s long-time producer) and remain in the Us.
But Film4 is still understood to be considering an international hire with a leading candidate known to be London-based David Kosse, president of international for Universal, who chose not to move to La when Universal recently...
- 6/23/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
It was the growth of the Harry Potter franchise that set up the UK film industry to be a world leader in visual effects, Josh Berger, president and MD Warner Bros. Entertainment UK, Ireland and Spain said today during his keynote at Mbi’s Creative Week Media Summit.
“As I think it had been discussed pretty broadly during the Gravity campaign, much of that team had worked on Potter. Potter, it’s fair to say, was very important to the growth of the VFX industry in the UK. Some people say it was the thing that propelled the industry here.”
Berger noted that with the first Harry Potter film in 2000, less than 15% of the VFX work was done in the UK. By the final film’s production in 2010, more than 85% of the effects were done in Britain. “There was an expansion of the skill base, the assets, the sheer numbers of people working in the industry.”
It...
“As I think it had been discussed pretty broadly during the Gravity campaign, much of that team had worked on Potter. Potter, it’s fair to say, was very important to the growth of the VFX industry in the UK. Some people say it was the thing that propelled the industry here.”
Berger noted that with the first Harry Potter film in 2000, less than 15% of the VFX work was done in the UK. By the final film’s production in 2010, more than 85% of the effects were done in Britain. “There was an expansion of the skill base, the assets, the sheer numbers of people working in the industry.”
It...
- 6/4/2014
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4's Chief Executive David Abraham is to give the main lecture at this year's Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.
The broadcaster chief will deliver the James MacTaggart Lecture at the 39th annual event, which takes place from August 21 to 23.
The former UKTV chief said: "2014 is already shaping up to be a seismic year of change in the landscape of television so I am honoured to have the opportunity to give the MacTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival this year.
"It's also been over a decade since Channel 4 has had this important platform - so it will be a key opportunity, in front of our creative partners, to set out a vision for how and why we intend to maintain our cultural impact in a world in which globalisation and technology continue to reshape everything.'
Meanwhile, Keith Lemon will present a special edition of Through the Keyhole involving channel controllers' homes,...
The broadcaster chief will deliver the James MacTaggart Lecture at the 39th annual event, which takes place from August 21 to 23.
The former UKTV chief said: "2014 is already shaping up to be a seismic year of change in the landscape of television so I am honoured to have the opportunity to give the MacTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival this year.
"It's also been over a decade since Channel 4 has had this important platform - so it will be a key opportunity, in front of our creative partners, to set out a vision for how and why we intend to maintain our cultural impact in a world in which globalisation and technology continue to reshape everything.'
Meanwhile, Keith Lemon will present a special edition of Through the Keyhole involving channel controllers' homes,...
- 5/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Channel 4's CEO David Abraham has talked in detail about the upcoming revamp to 4oD.
Speaking at the launch of Channel 4's Annual Report today, Abraham explained that the broadcaster plans to "build on our momentum in digital innovation with the most significant upgrade of our digital estate since its inception in 2006".
"You may have noticed in the past year, in addition to the registration strategy, we have launched a series of additional benefits," he said.
"Downloads - I think we're the first commercial player to launch downloads so far in the UK - short-form, 4Now and watch live.
"And in the future, our plan is that all of these assets will be reset within a fresh new framework that is optimised for mobile, for tablet and for connected TV.
"This is a big investment, a big initiative, the whole organisation is currently focused on this upgrade and...
Speaking at the launch of Channel 4's Annual Report today, Abraham explained that the broadcaster plans to "build on our momentum in digital innovation with the most significant upgrade of our digital estate since its inception in 2006".
"You may have noticed in the past year, in addition to the registration strategy, we have launched a series of additional benefits," he said.
"Downloads - I think we're the first commercial player to launch downloads so far in the UK - short-form, 4Now and watch live.
"And in the future, our plan is that all of these assets will be reset within a fresh new framework that is optimised for mobile, for tablet and for connected TV.
"This is a big investment, a big initiative, the whole organisation is currently focused on this upgrade and...
- 5/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Drifters has been renewed for a second series.
The broadcaster's chief creative officer Jay Hunt announced at this year's annual report that the sitcom was part of the channel's aim to "foreground female voices".
Chief executive David Abraham also named the comedy as one of his "standout moments" of 2013.
Jessica Knappett's show debuted in October last year, attracting around 500,000 viewers on average. Lydia Rose Bewley and Lauren O'Rourke also starred.
Head of comedy Phil Clarke said of Knappett: "Her writing gets stronger and stronger, and she was a different writer at the end of that series than she had been at the beginning."
Inbetweeners Movie star Knappett previously confirmed that she was writing a second series back in January.
She said: "I'm tempting fate a bit, but I've started writing it just in case. It's looking good and I want to be ahead of the game if it happens.
The broadcaster's chief creative officer Jay Hunt announced at this year's annual report that the sitcom was part of the channel's aim to "foreground female voices".
Chief executive David Abraham also named the comedy as one of his "standout moments" of 2013.
Jessica Knappett's show debuted in October last year, attracting around 500,000 viewers on average. Lydia Rose Bewley and Lauren O'Rourke also starred.
Head of comedy Phil Clarke said of Knappett: "Her writing gets stronger and stronger, and she was a different writer at the end of that series than she had been at the beginning."
Inbetweeners Movie star Knappett previously confirmed that she was writing a second series back in January.
She said: "I'm tempting fate a bit, but I've started writing it just in case. It's looking good and I want to be ahead of the game if it happens.
- 5/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Twitter, YouTube and Channel 4 to reveal digital strategies at Media Summit.
Industry leaders from businesses including Twitter, YouTube, ITV and Channel 4 are to outline their digital strategies at June’s Media Summit.
The speakers will appear at the Media Summit, due to take place at Bafta on Wednesday June 4, as part of the Creative Week series of events.
Among those confirmed to share their plans in the digital space are Facebook UK regional director Steve Hatch, Twitter managing director Bruce Daisley, Youtube UK director David Benson, All3Media chief executive Farah Ramzan Golant, C4 chief executive David Abraham and ITV chief executive Adam Crozier.
Akqa advertising executives James Hilton and Ben Jones will also demonstrate the ways in which businesses can make creative use of technology to build successful campaign strategies.
The summit will include key findings on which business models have successfully won over audiences and advertisers and the importance of developing innovative cross platform...
Industry leaders from businesses including Twitter, YouTube, ITV and Channel 4 are to outline their digital strategies at June’s Media Summit.
The speakers will appear at the Media Summit, due to take place at Bafta on Wednesday June 4, as part of the Creative Week series of events.
Among those confirmed to share their plans in the digital space are Facebook UK regional director Steve Hatch, Twitter managing director Bruce Daisley, Youtube UK director David Benson, All3Media chief executive Farah Ramzan Golant, C4 chief executive David Abraham and ITV chief executive Adam Crozier.
Akqa advertising executives James Hilton and Ben Jones will also demonstrate the ways in which businesses can make creative use of technology to build successful campaign strategies.
The summit will include key findings on which business models have successfully won over audiences and advertisers and the importance of developing innovative cross platform...
- 4/30/2014
- ScreenDaily
A host of UK indies are in China for a China-uk TV summit
A trade mission comprising 22 UK TV indies and Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham is in China for the first ever China-uk TV summit.
UK companies including Shed Media, Zigzag, All3Media, Argonon and Arrow Media will meet with more than 100 Chinese delegates.
The mission includes meetings, presentations and pitches and today’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pact and China Central Television, aimed at fostering collaborations on commissions, co-productions and acquisitions.
The MoU will be witnessed by senior Chinese government officials and UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP.
The TV summit follows the first ever China-uk film summit, which took place last week, and precedes a reciprocal UK-China film and TV summit in the UK in September.
Pact chief executive John McVay said of this week’s event: “This landmark television summit...
A trade mission comprising 22 UK TV indies and Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham is in China for the first ever China-uk TV summit.
UK companies including Shed Media, Zigzag, All3Media, Argonon and Arrow Media will meet with more than 100 Chinese delegates.
The mission includes meetings, presentations and pitches and today’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pact and China Central Television, aimed at fostering collaborations on commissions, co-productions and acquisitions.
The MoU will be witnessed by senior Chinese government officials and UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP.
The TV summit follows the first ever China-uk film summit, which took place last week, and precedes a reciprocal UK-China film and TV summit in the UK in September.
Pact chief executive John McVay said of this week’s event: “This landmark television summit...
- 4/23/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Channel Four chief executive discusses Tessa Ross’ departure and future strategy.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham has told ScreenDaily that Film4’s formula of supporting a combination of new voices and established indie talent “will remain the same” after Tessa Ross’ departure in September.
Ross’ unexpected departure has prompted a swell of praise for the executive, but also concern from some industry about stability within the broadcaster’s film arm, which is yet to replace deputy head of film Katherine Butler, who departed in February to join indie Raw TV, and is now to lose its figurehead.
“There is no hole to fill,” assured Abraham. “Tessa will be around until September and there is strength and breadth in the team who are currently handling large parts of the slate.”
Abraham said that current and future projects on Film4’s slate would get the team’s full attention during the transition.
“It’s a reasonable...
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham has told ScreenDaily that Film4’s formula of supporting a combination of new voices and established indie talent “will remain the same” after Tessa Ross’ departure in September.
Ross’ unexpected departure has prompted a swell of praise for the executive, but also concern from some industry about stability within the broadcaster’s film arm, which is yet to replace deputy head of film Katherine Butler, who departed in February to join indie Raw TV, and is now to lose its figurehead.
“There is no hole to fill,” assured Abraham. “Tessa will be around until September and there is strength and breadth in the team who are currently handling large parts of the slate.”
Abraham said that current and future projects on Film4’s slate would get the team’s full attention during the transition.
“It’s a reasonable...
- 3/28/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Channel Four chief executive discusses Tessa Ross’ departure and future strategy.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham has told ScreenDaily that Film4’s formula of supporting a combination of new voices and established indie talent “will remain the same” after Tessa Ross’ departure in September.
Ross’ unexpected departure has prompted a swell of praise for the executive, but also concern from some industry about stability within the broadcaster’s film arm, which is yet to replace deputy head of film Katherine Butler, who departed in February to join indie Raw TV, and is now to lose its figurehead.
“There is no hole to fill,” assured Abraham. “Tessa will be around until September and there is strength and breadth in the team who are currently handling large parts of the slate.”
Abraham said that current and future projects on Film4’s slate would get the team’s full attention during the transition.
“It’s a reasonable...
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham has told ScreenDaily that Film4’s formula of supporting a combination of new voices and established indie talent “will remain the same” after Tessa Ross’ departure in September.
Ross’ unexpected departure has prompted a swell of praise for the executive, but also concern from some industry about stability within the broadcaster’s film arm, which is yet to replace deputy head of film Katherine Butler, who departed in February to join indie Raw TV, and is now to lose its figurehead.
“There is no hole to fill,” assured Abraham. “Tessa will be around until September and there is strength and breadth in the team who are currently handling large parts of the slate.”
Abraham said that current and future projects on Film4’s slate would get the team’s full attention during the transition.
“It’s a reasonable...
- 3/28/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Long-time Film4 head Tessa Ross is stepping down from her role later this year to become chief executive of the National Theatre.
Ross will remain in the post until September 2014, and will stay on as chair of the Growth Fund Advisory Council.
She has been on the board of the prestigious Theatre for the past three years.
Her 13-year tenure at the broadcaster began in 2000. She became Head of Film4 in 2003, followed by her current position of Controller of Film and Drama in 2008.
Her exit follows deputy head of film Katherine Butler’s departure from Film4 in January.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham will look to fill Ross’ role in the next months.
Abraham said: “Tessa has made as big a contribution to Channel 4 as anyone in its history. I would like to personally thank her for her extraordinary commitment, talent and leadership over 13 remarkable years. I am looking forward to working with her over...
Ross will remain in the post until September 2014, and will stay on as chair of the Growth Fund Advisory Council.
She has been on the board of the prestigious Theatre for the past three years.
Her 13-year tenure at the broadcaster began in 2000. She became Head of Film4 in 2003, followed by her current position of Controller of Film and Drama in 2008.
Her exit follows deputy head of film Katherine Butler’s departure from Film4 in January.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham will look to fill Ross’ role in the next months.
Abraham said: “Tessa has made as big a contribution to Channel 4 as anyone in its history. I would like to personally thank her for her extraordinary commitment, talent and leadership over 13 remarkable years. I am looking forward to working with her over...
- 3/26/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
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