Serialised drama has soared in popularity over recent years, but as the number of shows on offer continues to multiply, Nick Edwards asks whether audiences are getting tired of long-term commitment Long-running, immersive TV series have come to define our drama consumption over recent history. First, there were the early pioneering shows such as Hill […]
Nicola Pearcey, president of UK and European TV and film operations for US-Canadian entertainment company Lionsgate, is to leave at the end of the year “to pursue new opportunities.” Pearcey exits Lionsgate after a 14-year tenure on its UK leadership team, where she was “instrumental” in growing its British TV business, with the launch of […]
US-Canadian entertainment company Lionsgate has signed a multi-year first-look TV deal with US-based Mr Mercedes producer Temple Hill Productions. The deal is an expansion of Lionsgate’s existing relationship with Temple Hill after the two companies worked together on a number of feature films, including the Twilight Saga, Power Rangers, Uncle Drew and Down A Dark Hall. Under the new […]
BBC Studios (BBCS) and Lionsgate have appointed ABC Entertainment alum Rachel Bendavid to head up the companies’ scripted partnership out of LA. Bendavid has been named head of scripted programming for the venture, which was set up in 2018 to identify, co-develop and co-fund scripted formats and original intellectual property for the US market. Her […]
BritBox UK has acquired Viaplay and Lionsgate’s political drama Cold Courage. The eight-part crime drama series is based on the best-selling Studio books by Pekka Hiltunen, which were adapted for the screen by David Joss Buckley (Hinterland) and Brendan Foley (The Riddle). It will be available exclusively on the streamer from 3 September. The series […]
Lionsgate-owned Starzplay has unveiled its first slate of international originals with four shows from Spain and Mexico, which will be made available via the global streamer and other services owned by the US studio. Express is a Spanish crime thriller exploring a kidnapping that will be produced by The Mediapro Studio and has been written […]
Zygi Kamasa, the CEO of Lionsgate’s UK and European TV & film operations, is stepping down to work on a new business. Kamasa has headed up the US company’s operations in the UK since 2005, when Lionsgate acquired his former company Redbus Film Distributors. Since then, Lionsgate has invested, produced and distributed more than 350 […]
Rainmaker adds Kew alum as COO Rainmaker Content, the recently launched distributor from former Kew Media Distribution (KMD) execs Greg Phillips and Graham Begg, has confirmed Vicky Ryan as chief operating officer. Ryan was previously EVP of commercial affairs at KMD and most recently helped to found Rainmaker, which has also revealed they have secured […]
HBO Max’s recent roll-out has been handed a dour assessment by two leading US analysts, as the WarnerMedia streamer revealed a new binge-friendly schedule for one of its originals and the acquisition of Young Sheldon. The streamer was launched in the US last week with an array of originals such as scripted comedy Love Life, […]
US cable and satellite network Starz is to revive dance drama Step Up: High Water, following its cancellation on YouTube last year. The Lionsgate-owned Starz has ordered a new 10-episode third season from creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen and Lionsgate Television. The stars from the previous seasons are set to return, while the company […]
