Universal


NBCU teases new Universal+ streamer for France

Comcast-owned NBCUniversal has started paving the way for the launch of a new streaming platform in France. In a short teaser video on YouTube, it said that a new service called Universal+ will be coming soon in France. No details were released on the date of launch or the pricing structure, but the likelihood is […]

NBCU’s vice chairman Ron Meyer exits after admitting affair

NBCUniversal (NBCU)’s vice chairman Ron Meyer has left the US studio after more than 25 years with the company after admitting to an extramarital affair. Meyer, who had started out as an agent after forming LA-based CAA, joined Universal as president and CEO in 1995. He remained with the company following the merger with NBC […]

NBCU unveils plans for Peacock, including launch date, originals, cost

NBCUniversal (NBCU) has pulled the curtain back on its forthcoming streaming service Peacock, revealing a raft of programming as well as both AVOD and SVOD options for subscribers. At an investor presentation at NBCU’s New York offices yesterday, NBCU said Peacock would be available as a free ad-supported service with subscription tiers, offering more than […]

The Walking Dead’s Kirkman signs deal with Amazon

Amazon has closed an overall deal with The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman and a first-look deal with his prodco Skybound Entertainment. Kirkman and the prodco will develop titles to debut exclusively on Prime Video. Skybound’s co-presidents of film and television, Bryan and Sean Furst, will oversee the Amazon project slate in conjunction with Kirkman […]

Netflix goes straight-to-series with Selena Gomez

US-based streaming service Netflix has greenlit production on a straight-to-series young adult drama from former Disney actor Selena Gomez. 13 Reasons Why is based on a best-seller from author Jay Asher, and has Brian Yorkey attached as creator and writer, with Gomez executive producing. The show will run to 13 episodes, and comes from Anonymous […]

Minions movie latches on to FX

FX Networks in the US has acquired television premiere rights to Universal’s money-spinning animated movie Minions. Minions recently took the second-largest domestic opening ever for an animated film, and will now run on FX channels along with fellow box office toppers Ted 2 and Terminator Genysis. Comedy Minions, spun out of the Despicable Me franchise, […]

ITV buys Class of ’92 football film

ITV has picked up football feature doc Class of ’92, TBI understands. The UK commercial broadcaster has taken UK rights after the doc was released in cinemas. The film follows the group of talented football players that emerged from Manchester United in the early 90s and has exclusive footage of that group, which includes David […]

WE tv hires scripted veteran in drama push

US cable channel WE tv has hired its first scripted television executive following the summer commission of its debut drama. Cheryl Bloch will lead the AMC Networks-owned channel’s scripted efforts as senior VP, scripted programming. She will be based in Santa Monica and report to newly-installed WE tv president Marc Juris. Her hire comes after […]

Voddler goes global with file-sharing revamp

Scandinavian VOD site Voddler is going global with a revamped service and new focus on legal content sharing with friends. The new-look Voddler revolves around two new services – LiveShelf and ViewShare. These allow viewers to assemble a cloud-based ‘shelf’ of content that they can access from any device and share with up to 10 […]

HBO extends Universal Pictures output

US cable network HBO has renewed a movie output deal with Universal Pictures it was announced late Sunday. Financial and specific details were not given, but HBO said the long-term agreement ensured it would carry Universal movies into the next decade. The deal was hammered out by Frances Manfredi, president, NBCUniversal cable & new media […]