Deputy editor at Television Business International. Find us at tbivision.com and @TBImagazine. Formerly @pashowbiz, @futureplc, @TI_Media_UK.
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Articles by Mark Layton
A comparative analysis of routine hospital admission data for sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis and haemophilia in England
Abstract Recent evidence of inequalities in healthcare for sickle cell disease in the UK is lacking. We aimed to describe trends in hospital admissions for sickle cell anaemia (SCA), cystic fibrosis (CF) and haemophilia in England. We conducted a historical cohort study using Hospital Episode Statistics data of individuals with a primary diagnosis of SCA (n = 19,506), CF (n = 9,569) or haemophilia (n = 7,289) between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2022.
TBI Weekly: A Note From The Editor
Dearest Reader, Well, it has been quite the ride… The lights will soon be turned off and the curtain brought down, but after more than 35 years of service it seems only right and proper to provide Television Business International (TBI) with a send-off all of its own. My first thanks must go to Les Brown, who founded the title way back in 1988.
Television Business International (TBI) to close after 35 years
After more than 35 years of publication, Television Business International (TBI) is to close and will stop publishing new content from today. Everyone at TBI would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest thanks to our thousands of readers around the world and our hundreds of contributors who have supported us throughout the years. TBI has documented everything from the emergence of pay TV to the decline of linear broadcasting and the ongoing drama caused by the shift to streaming.
Spain unveiled as MIPCOM 2024's country of honour
Spain has been named as the country of honour at the upcoming 40th edition of MIPCOM Cannes, which takes place in October. The move follows a surge of global interest in Spanish programming over recent years and will see a programme highlighting the country’s expansion as a major international production hub and provider of shows to buyers around the world.
CTV orders 'Queen Of The Castle' from Blink49 Studios
Canada’s CTV Life Channel has ordered Queen Of The Castle, a new original unscripted series following Ann (Kaplan) Mulholland and her husband Stephen Mulholland as they transform a thousand-year-old English castle into a lavish retreat. With $25 million on the line, they face the overwhelming task of navigating construction, staffing, local skepticism, and demanding guests as old tradition meets modern chaos.
Prime Video extends NFL push with UK's Box To Box, orders Derek Haas drama
Amazon’s Prime Video is pushing further into sports with a docuseries from the UK’s Box To Box Films and expanding its drama offer with a new show starring The Boys’ Jason Ackles. The untitled sports drama will track life in the National Hockey League (NHL) in North America, following the NHL’s biggest teams and players as they attempt to win the Stanley Cup.
'Big Blue' sails for Latin America as WBD acquires animation for Cartoon Network & Max
Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired kids’ animation Big Blue from Canada’s Guru Studio for Cartoon Network and Max in Latin America. The 52 x 11-minute comedy adventure series, which recently launched on Youku in China, will be airing on the WBD services starting in Q3, and is also set to make its US premiere on Roku later this year.
Apple TV+ takes a bite out of René Redzepi-fronted docuseries 'Omnivore'
Apple TV+ has ordered Omnivore, a new documentary series created and narrated by world-renowned chef René Redzepi. Produced the Fifth Season and Film 45 and premiering on the streamer on 19 July, the eight-part series will explore “the beauty and complexity of the human experience through the celebrated ingredients that connect us all.” Redzepi is the chef and co-owner of renowned restaurant Noma, with his new series taking viewers on an immersive journey into the world of food.
OUTtv adds drama ‘Novelette Is Trying’ & slew of renewals
North American LGBTQ+ streamer OUTtv has commissioned Novelette Is Trying, a new scripted series, while also renewing five shows for additional seasons. Novelette Is Trying is a 10 x 10-minute drama series following Novelette, a queer, anti-social Black woman. After she is dumped by her partner, Novelette takes in a quirky roommate which forces her to confront the lack of purpose, love and connection in her life. The series is produced by Novelette is Trying Productions.
Banijay UK acquires 'Peaky Blinders' firm Caryn Mandabach Productions
Banijay UK has acquired Peaky Blinders firm Caryn Mandabach Productions (CMP), which is to rebrand as Garrison Drama. Under the agreement, CMP’s slate of projects and back catalogue transfers to Banijay UK. Moving forward, the group will manage all future series, spin-offs, and brand ventures resulting from that IP including the recently announced Peaky Blinders movie greenlit by Netflix (which Mandabach remains attached to as a producer alongside Steven Knight, Cillian Murphy and Guy Heeley).
PlumResearch: Polish comedies leading CEE international SVOD drive
Original content from the CEE region is growing in value for international SVOD operators, with Polish comedies particularly proving popular on the world stage, according to PlumResearch. Speaking at Content Warsaw this week, PlumResearch research director Jonathan Broughton, who recently joined the data insight firm from the European Broadcasting Union, highlighted the value of this growth market, with original scripted comedy identified as being in high demand.
All3Media's Maverick TV USA to close
Maverick TV USA, the All3Media-backed production company behind shows including Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown, is to close. The LA-based firm has been led by Simon Knight for the past few years, and its shuttering comes after the completion of Redbird IMI’s $1.45bn acquisition of owner All3Media last month. Its closure comes during a commissioning downturn in the US that has seen networks and streamers making significant cutbacks to their non-scripted orders.
BBC & BritBox International in US, Canada adapt Agatha Christie's 'Towards Zero'
This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC’s registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 3099067. https://tbivision.com/wp-content/themes/tbivision_child/assets/images/logo/tbivision-aqua-logo.jpg The BBC and BritBox International have teamed up for their latest Agatha Christie adaptation, this time a reworking of Towards Zero.
Opinion: How creatives can help to nurture rising Black talent
Sebastian Thiel, the UK director of shows including BBC Three’s Dreaming Whilst Black, ITVX & Prime Video’s Riches and upcoming Netflix superhero drama Supacell, shares his experience of entering the industry as a Black creative and why it is essential to nurture rising BAME talent. In 2018 a report on Black, Asian and minority ethnic directors working in UK television found that just 2.22% of UK television programmes were made by BAME directors.
Yes TV orders techno-thriller 'Wonder' from Yes Studios & Ananey Studios
Israel’s Yes TV has commissioned Wonder, a new technological thriller from Yes Studios and Paramount’s Ananey Studios. The 8 x 45-minute series follows Noya, a 17-year-old girl killed in a car crash, and the story of how her father Avner, a retired combat officer, and Daria, Noya’s best friend and a social media personality, join forces and set off on a journey together to investigate her death.
'Troppo' producer Perpetual hires WBD's Vicki Keogh to build NZ slate
Perpetual Entertainment has appointed Warner Bros. Discovery alum Vicki Keogh as general manager & executive producer of its New Zealand arm. The production company has hubs in Australia, the US and New Zealand, along with representation in the UK, and is behind titles including New Zealand’s Best Homes With Phil Spencer for Channel 4 and TVNZ; and Troppo for Amazon and ABC Australia. Keogh joins Perpetual on 8 July after departing Warner Bros.
Sony Pictures Networks India ups Americas chief Jaideep Janakiram
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has reshuffled its operations by moving Americas chief Jaideep Janakiram to a new role. Janakiram, who was formerly head of international business for SPNI in the Americas, has been upped to become head of international business & operations, succeeding Neeraj Arora whose exit was reported last month.
No decision on Paramount sale with Redstone reportedly hesitant
Uncertainty still surrounds the fate of Paramount following Monday’s reports that the media company’s special committee of directors had recommended a revised offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media. According to Reuters, citing unnamed sources, chair Shari Redstone is less than happy with the terms of the revised offer, which would see Skydance reduce its initial US$2.5 billion bid for Redstone’s National Amusements in favour of more cash for Paramount’s other shareholders.
SkyShowtime to adapt 'Langer', Polish thriller based on Remigiusz Mróz novel
SkyShowtime has ordered Langer, a new original Polish thriller, based on the novel by Remigiusz Mróz. The six-part series is produced by Violetta Furmaniuk-Zaorska and directed by Łukasz Palkowski. It will star Jakub Gierszał in the leading role as Piotr Langer, a story of a young, ambitious businessman who inherited a financial holding from his deceased father. In his free time, Piotr indulges in his long-time passion – he is an elusive serial killer who has evaded prosecutors for years.
Ex-Microsoft and Spotify execs join Roku's advertising team
Streaming operator Roku has appointed Sarah Harms and Sal Candela as the company’s vice president of advertising marketing and vice president of global agency partnerships, respectively. The pair will be based in New York. Harms will report to Jay Askinasi, SVP, head of global media revenue & growth, and Candela will report to Kristina Shepard, VP, global advertising sales and partnerships.
Paramount seeks $500m savings, weighs asset sales & JV streaming partnership
Paramount Global is looking to make $500m in savings, has plans to sell its non-core assets and is exploring streaming joint ventures with other media companies. Recently appointed Paramount co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins have set out their strategic vision for the company at the annual shareholders meeting yesterday.
Scripted deals: BritBox & RTÉ pocket C5's 'Inheritance'; Paramount+ buys Swiss drama; O4 Media to sell MBC shows
BritBox & RTÉ pocket C5’s Inheritance Streaming service BritBox is among those to have acquired family thriller The Inheritance, which debuted last year on Paramount’s Channel 5 in the UK. The show, sold by Eccho Rights, will head to BritBox in the US and Canada, along with RTÉ in Ireland, NPO in the Netherlands and Pickbox in Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bulgaria.
Bandicoot Scotland appoints 'Maskcat' host Nick Johns as head of digital
Bandicoot Scotland has appointed Nick Johns to the newly created role of head of digital.
'The Tourist' prodco Two Brothers hires Prime Video, Sky Studios & Drama Republic execs
The Tourist producer Two Brothers Pictures has hired Prime Video’s Daisy Mount, former Sky Studios exec Katie Churchill and Drama Republic’s Cleo Hetherington as part of a broader restructuring at the All3Media-owned firm. Mount becomes executive producer on upcoming projects at Two Brothers, with a remit that includes “steering the drama slate”. She was most recently creative exec for scripted at Prime Video, working on shows including The Rig and Wilderness.
The Mediapro Studio names Marta Ezpeleta as CEO
The Young Pope producer The Mediapro Studio has promoted Marta Ezpeleta to CEO, taking over from Laura Fernández Espeso, who was recently named as CEO of parent company Grup Mediapro. Ezpeleta and Fernández Espeso will both commence their new roles on 1 January, 2025, with Javier Esteban in turn promoted to take on Ezpeleta’s current role as international director of The Mediapro Studio.
Prime Video reveals 'Yakuza: Like A Dragon' drama as latest video game adaptation
Amazon’s Prime Video has unveiled its latest video game adaptation, with Yakuza: Like A Dragon set to debut later this year. The six-part live-action show has been shot in Japanese and is based on the original story from Sega’s 2005 hit game franchise of the same name. Masaharu Take is attached to direct and Ryoma Takeuchi stars as the lead character – Kazuma Kiryu – with Japanese game firm Ryugagotoku Studio also attached alongside Amazon MGM Studios.
BBC & PBS go 'Walking With Dinosaurs' again as prehistoric nature doc returns after 25 years
British pubcaster the BBC and PBS in the US are reviving prehistoric nature docuseries Walking With Dinosaurs, more than 25 years since it first appeared on screens. The 6 x 60-minute BBC Studios production for BBC and PBS, is being co-produced with ZDF and France Télévisions, and is set to launch in 2025. Each episode will tell the story of an individual dinosaur whose remains are currently being unearthed by leading dinosaur hunters.
Exclusive: Global demand for Polish comedies on the rise, reports PlumResearch
Original content from the CEE region is growing in value for international SVOD operators, with Polish comedies particularly proving popular on the world stage, according to PlumResearch. Speaking at Content Warsaw this week, PlumResearch research director Jonathan Broughton, who recently joined the data insight firm from the European Broadcasting Union, highlighted the value of this growth market, with original scripted comedy identified as being in high demand.
Barb: UK SVOD subs rises in Q1 to 19.5m
UK SVOD subs have climbed up to 19.5m in the first quarter, up from 18.8m in the previous quarter, with all major streamers seeing a jump in subscribers. According to Barb’s Establishment Survey, 67.9% of UK homes have a subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service. Netflix’s advertising tier is accessed by 2.12m UK homes in Q1, which represents 58% of UK households and an increase from 1.45m in the fourth quarter. Amazon Prime Video reached 13m UK in Q1, up from 12.4m in Q4.
Exclusive: 25% of CEE SVOD subs now coming via partnerships, says Omdia
About 25% of all paid SVOD subscriptions in central and eastern Europe now come via pay TV and telco bundles, according to data from Omdia. According to the research group, indirect net additions, rather than direct-to-consumer, will account for the lion’s share of SVOD net additions in the region between now and 2028. That means that indirect subscribers through partnerships will account for 29% of the SVOD total by that date.
SkyShowtime expands content slate for 2024
Comcast and Paramount Global joint European streamer SkyShowtime has unveiled its expanded content slate for the rest of 2024. Among the new titles is 10-part thriller series The Day of the Jackal, starring Academy, and BAFTA award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne. The novel adaptation follows an unrivalled and highly elusive lone assassin, and a tenacious MI6 agent, played Lashana Lynch, in a relentless, global pursuit to catch him.
Unpacking NEM Dubrovnik's growth strategy amid surging CEE interest
NEM Dubrovnik opens its doors for its 11th edition next week, having become a tentpole event for those looking to expand activities in Central & Eastern Europe (CEE)’s fast-growing markets. US and European majors have been attending for years, alongside countless regional buyers, producers and distributors, but increasing investment from streamers and broadcasters is driving further interest.
RMC Story revives gameshow 'Let's Make A Deal' following two decade hiatus
RMC Story in France has revived veteran gameshow Le Bigdil, which last aired on TF1 in 2004. The show is based on the US format Let’s Make A Deal from Marcus/Glass and ran for six years on TF1 between 1998 and 2004. It is sold by Can’t Stop Media. The French version is being remade by Satisfaction Group-owned Ah! Production and will air on the Altice Media-owned channel in primetime from early 2025 on RMC Story, as well as its streaming platform RMC BFM Play.
'Ghosts' to haunt WDR/ARD with German adaptation of BBC Studios comedy
German pubcaster WDR and its streaming service ARD Mediathek have ordered a local adaptation of BBC Studios’ supernatural comedy Ghosts. BBC Studios Germany will produce the 6 x 30-minute series, which is being directed by Erik Haffner, with Yves Hensel and Aylin Kockler writing, and filming currently underway in Cologne. This version of Ghosts centres around young couple Emma (Cristina do Rego) and Felix (Benito Bause), who inherit an old mansion and decide to turn it into a hotel.
Paramount & Skydance agree merger terms, with deal now in Shari Redstone's hands
Paramount’s special committee of directors has reportedly recommended a revised offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media, giving chair and controlling shareholder Shari Redstone the last word on whether to accept the offer.
Cineflix Rights hires ITVS' Stephanie Coon as North American team expands
Cineflix Rights has hired ITV Studios exec Stephanie Coon as VP of sales for North America. Coon takes on this newly created role at the distributor as it continues to expand its operations in the region, following the hire of fellow ITVS alum Greg Johnson as EVP for Americas and Asia Pacific in February.
Fubo bolsters cricket coverage with launch of Willow by Cricbuzz
Sports-first streamer has included cricket channel Willow by Cricbuzz offering live and on-demand cricket content, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Willow by Cricbuzz is the broadcaster of various cricket boards across the world and the home of the new Major League Cricket for viewer in the United States and Canada.
Parks Associates: Prime Video has the lowest SVOD churn rate at 8%
Amazon Prime Video has the lowest churn rate amongst streamers, reveals market research firm Parks Associates. Parks Associates’ Streaming Video Tracker report currently tracks churn data for 89 total services, of which 85 are SVOD services. The report found streaming giant Amazon Prime Video has the lowest churn rate at 8%, while Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service discovery+ has the highest churn rate at nearly at 43%.
Tele Columbus begins disconnecting ‘collective’ TV customers
German cable operator Tele Columbus, which offers services under the PŸUR brand, says it has begun disconnecting TV households with collective housing association contracts ahead of the change in the country’s law that will see this practice banned. The operator warned customers that they risked losing their TV connection if they did not sign up to an individual contract.
Volia to migrate homes from DOCSIS to GPON
Ukrainian cable operator Volia is to begin migrating homes in the cities of Kyiv an Lviv from DOCSIS to GPON fibre from September 1. Volia said the move would improve services as well as modernizing its network.
Something Big boards Toon2Tango's 'Niko – The Little Reindeer' series - TBI Vision
Leonine-owned German animation studio Toon2Tango has struck a deal with French firm Something Big to develop and co-produce a series adaptation of kids’ movie franchise Niko – The Little Reindeer. Toon2Tango acquired the rights to the franchise last year, originally produced by Animaker, Anima Vitae, Cinemaker, Ulysses Films, Moetion Films, and A.Film Production.
SVT links with SF Studios to adapt Astrid Lindgren's 'Life On Seacrow Island'
Swedish pubcaster SVT has linked with Denmark’s SF Studios and Beta Film Kids & Family to produce a new adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s Life On Seacrow Island. The six-part show will be titled Vi på Saltkråkan in Sweden and is being directed by Fredrik Edfeldt, with Karin Arrhenius attached as writer. Filming begins in Stockholm’s archipelago in June, with SF Studios coproducing with SVT, Film Stockholm and The Astrid Lindgren Company.
Discovery, NPO & AMC Networks strike deals for Passion programming
Discovery, NPO in the Netherlands and AMC Networks Southern Europe are among buyers of factual shows from Passion Distribution, including Into The Congo With Ben Fogle. The show, which first aired on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Channel 5 in the UK, is produced by Mentorn Media and has been sold to NPO, RTBF and VRT in Belgium, AMC Networks Southern Europe and Ananey in Israel.
Sony shutters TriStar TV, with Jennifer Turner & Nicole Norwood exiting
This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC’s registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 3099067. https://tbivision.com/wp-content/themes/tbivision_child/assets/images/logo/tbivision-aqua-logo.jpg Sony Pictures Television is closing its TriStar Television label, with its top execs, Jennifer Turner and Nicole Norwood, set to depart the division.
WBD brings French thriller 'The Crimson Rivers' to Max France & HBO Max Belgium
Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired the SVOD rights to all four seasons of French thriller The Crimson Rivers for for French-speaking territories and Belgium, with the show to launch in Max in France and HBO Max in Belgium on 11 June. The deal with distributor ZDF Studios includes 32 x 50-minutes episodes of the series, which was originally produced by Storia Television in co-production with Maze Pictures for France Télévisions and ZDF. The show has previously sold to Netflix.
Show of the Week: Chimera Keepers: Adventures with Incredible Creatures - TBI Vision
Youngsters Thelma and Wendy are not looking forward to spending the whole summer at their Grandpa Walter’s house – that is, until they make a magical discovery involving some amazing animals, in this new animated series from Paris-based Monello Productions, which is distributed by Banijay Kids & Family.
Moonbug promotes music chief Courtney Holt to lead US division as Andy Yeatman departs
Moonbug Entertainment has promoted Courtney Holt as managing director, Americas, taking over from Andy Yeatman, who is exiting the company. Holt will lead the creative and commercial teams in North America at the Candle Media-backed kids’ entertainment firm, overseeing brands such CoComelon and Blippi in the region. He will report to René Rechtman, founder and CEO of Moonbug Entertainment, and fills the role previously held by Yeatman, who is departing a to-be-announced new opportunity.
Amazon MGM Studios appoints head of brand and content innovation
Amazon MGM Studios has named Lauren Anderson as head of brand and content innovation in a rejig of its management structure as part of a push into ad-supported streaming. In this newly created role, LA-based Anderson will manage creative collaboration with brands. She will work closely with the Amazon ads, Prime Video ads and studios marketing teams to generate advertising sponsorships, integrations, custom content, and brand-supported originals for Amazon’s AVOD, FAST, and SVOD platforms.
WBD looks to launch Max in UK, with the market "ready for more sophisticated bundling"
A bundling deal in the UK for Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) standalone streaming service Max would be a “good growth opportunity” for the company, with the current market “ready for more sophisticated bundling”, says WBD’s EMEA streaming exec. Following the first phase of the recent WBD’s European roll out of Max, Leah Hopper Rosa, EVP of EMEA Streaming, told DTVE, the company’s goal is to operate across all major markets, including the UK.
GRB Media Ranch acquires Donald Trump doc trio
In a timely deal, distribution firm GRB Media Ranch has acquired a trio of documentaries from director Dan Partland about Donald Trump, just as the former US president is found guilty of 34 felony charges. The company, which was formed in a merger between US-based GRB Studios and Canada’s Media Ranch last year, has picked up #Untruth, a political documentary about the psychology of ‘Trump-ism’ and the authoritarian strain that it seeded in the American political landscape.
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