Universal Content Productions


Universal Studio Group hires Netflix & Lee Daniels alums for development

Universal Studio Group has made new senior appointments to the development teams at Universal Television and Universal Content Productions. Former Netflix exec Naketha Mattocks is joining Universal Television as SVP of drama development, reporting to Vivian Cannon, EVP of drama development. Mattocks launched Netflix’s family film division in 2018, with the team producing films such […]

USG’s Pearlena Igbokwe talks ‘Russian Doll’, ‘concerning’ budgets & risk

Universal Studios Group (USG) chairman Pearlena Igbokwe has admitted scripted budget inflation is a “great concern” for the industry but added “cost-efficient” shows can still be as successful. Igbokwe told delegates at a keynote session here at the BANFF World Media Festival admitted that there is increasing pressure on commissioners that could impact the amount shows […]

UCP boss Beatrice Springborn named president of Universal Int’l Studios

Beatrice Springborn, president of Universal Content Productions (UCP), has expanded her remit to include president of Universal International Studios. UK-based David O’Donoghue has meanwhile been named as head of Universal International Studios (fka NBCUniversal International Studios), reporting to Springborn, and will continue operational responsibility for the international business. In her expanded role, Springborn, who reports to Universal Studio […]

Apple TV+ recruits ‘Mr Robot’s Sam Esmail for ‘Metropolis’ series

Apple TV+ has commissioned a new series inspired by Fritz Lang’s seminal 1927 German science fiction feature film Metropolis. Mr Robot creator Sam Esmail is attached to write, direct and showrun the series, which he will also executive produce under his overall deal with Universal Content Productions (UCP), which serves as the studio. Chad Hamilton […]

Universal Content Prods expands current programming team with duo hire

Universal Content Productions (UCP) has hired execs from Veronica Mars firm Spondoolie Productions and Universal TV to lead current programming for cable and streamers. Rebecca Franko and Kenny Tsai both take up the newly created roles of SVP of current programming and will manage day-to-day current series across cable and streaming platforms for the studio. […]

NBCU’s Peacock orders ‘Ted’ remake, based on movie franchise

NBCUniversal (NBCU)’s streamer Peacock has made a straight-to-series order for a TV show based on the 2012 movie Ted. The live-action show is being produced by NBCU’s Universal Content Productions (UCP) and MRC Television, with the movie’s creator Seth MacFarlane in talks to reprise his role voicing the cuddly bear. The series will be based on […]

Netflix & Universal appoint IP acquisition execs as creative battle intensifies

Netflix and Universal Content Productions (UCP) have both made key appointments as the battle to acquire IP to adapt intensifies. The world’s biggest streamer has hired Jordan Moblo from Disney as its director of literary scouting, reporting into VP of creative services Brian Pearson. He will look to acquire rights to novels for adaptation and […]

Peacock orders ‘Queer As Folk’ remake

NBCUniversal-owned streamer Peacock has ordered a remake of British drama Queer As Folk from Stephen Dunn. Universal Content Productions, a division of Universal Studio Group, will produce the show, which is described as “vibrant reimagining” of the UK LGBTQ-focused series created by It’s A Sin’s Russell T. Davies, and will follow a diverse group of […]

Peacock cancels sci-fi series ‘Brave New World’

US streamer Peacock has cancelled sci-fi drama series Brave New World after just one season. The show, which was produced by Universal Content Productions and Amblin Television, is based on the seminal sci-fi novel by Aldous Huxley, and launched with the fledgling streaming service in July. “There will not be Season 2 of Brave New World on […]