Big Little Lies


TBI Weekly: What happens when limited series become unlimited?

If the behind-the-scenes turmoil of HBO’s Big Little Lies has achieved anything, it has been to demonstrate the unique turning point faced by limited series that become unlimited. The case, however unique, begs the question: can a series really be ‘limited’ anymore when the tectonic shifts rocking the industry increasingly call for returnable hits that […]

HBO stands by ‘Big Little Lies’ edit after details of creative struggle emerge

HBO has stood by its edit of series two of Big Little Lies after it emerged that director Andrea Arnold’s work was allegedly re-cut to adhere to series one director and ongoing EP Jean-Marc Vallée’s vision for the show.  In a statement released Friday (12 June), the channel said: “There wouldn’t be a Season 2 of […]

Acquired taste: what role does acquisition play in drama?

With original programming more important to networks and services than ever, what role does the acquisition play in drama today? Andy McDonald reports The drama landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. The rise of international SVOD giants like Netflix and Amazon has opened up a world of global taste and helped drive an across-the-board […]

HBO completes European OTT rollout with Poland launch

HBO now offers direct-to-consumer services across its entire HBO Europe footprint, after launching HBO GO in Poland. HBO said that all 17 countries under the HBO Europe umbrella now offer subscribers a full HBO over-the-top service, with the company operating a total of three regional OTT services in Europe. HBO GO is now available across […]

TBI Weekly: The future is female for global prodcos

Production companies with a female focus are cropping up at a startling rate as female perspectives take centre stage globally and the #MeToo movement continues apace. This week, we saw former CBS entertainment boss and longtime champion of gender equality, Nina Tassler, form PatMa Productions. The outfit will focus on diverse voices and partner with organisations […]

Sky, HBO in $250m high-end drama deal

Leading pay TV players Sky and HBO are joining forces to create a development slate of high-end dramas that will be worth around US$250 million. The pair will aim to develop and co-commission “high-end productions that feature engaging stories with international points of view and casting”. A panel of execs from both companies will greenlight […]

Fresh blow to Canal+ as Orange secures HBO deal

Orange’s OCS service is to become the exclusive home of HBO shows in France, dealing a fresh blow to beleaguered pay TV leader Canal+, which previously enjoyed access to a second window for HBO series including Game of Thrones. Orange said that its new deal with HBO will ultimately mean it becomes the exclusive home […]