London TV Screenings Announces Dates for 2024

Dates have been announced for the fourth annual London TV Screenings, which continues to establish itself as one of the most significant occasions on the TV calendar. The fourth Screenings, which took place from Monday, February 26, to Friday, March 1, 2024, will be held where more than a dozen distributors had events for buyers in 2023. ITV Studios, All3Media International, Banijay Rights, eOne, and Fremantle are in charge of organising the screenings, but many additional companies sign up throughout the year. There were 28 screenings last year. A representative for London TV Screenings said: “The third annual London TV Screenings proved that the event is firmly embedded in the annual buying calendar, packing out the largest and most prestigious screening venues London has to offer.”

Thunderbird, the creator of “Reginald The Vampire,” considers a sale with ACF

Thunderbird Entertainment, a Canadian company that recently arranged significant deals for Simon Cowell’s Syco and the Lord of the Rings IP, is looking into sales options after working with ACF Investment Bank. The decision was made as a result of Thundebird’s strategic review process, which involves “assessing all opportunities to maximise shareholder value.” This investigation was prompted by a power struggle at the top of Thunderbird, where a major stakeholder, the Texas-based hedge fund Voss Capital, pushed for board members to be replaced with individuals who could “unlock the value” of the independent films Kim’s Convenience and Highway Thru Hell. When Marni Weishofer and Frank Giustra departed the board in January to settle the conflict, Asha Daniere, Mark Trachuk, and Lisa Coulman joined and have since been exploring opportunities. “Thunderbird has fantastic growth ahead of us, and we want to continue building on this tremendous momentum,” said Jennifer Twiner McCarron, CEO and Chair of Thunderbird’s Board of Directors. “Working with ACF allows us to strategically review all growth options and evaluate any incoming expressions of interest received by the Company. Our mission is to become the next major global studio.” ACF recently worked on the $125 million securitization agreement for the Cowell’s Got Talent brand as well as the sale of the Lord of the Rings IP to Sweden’s Embracer Group.

Sky Studios Germany Appoints EP Duo

The Andi Oliver and The Hairy Bikers Shows are revealed by BBC

Out of the Wales Screen Summit, the BBC has announced series starring Andi Oliver and The Hairy Bikers. Andi Oliver’s Big Bash [working title] will see the host and renowned chef bring her party organising skills to towns and cities across the UK, galvanising communities with her unwavering belief in the power of delectable food, positive vibes, and great music. It was announced by Unscripted Director Kate Phillips. And in The Hairy Bikers Go West, the BBC mainstays will tour the western coasts of the UK in search of the chefs, farmers, and producers who are fostering a new British culinary revolution. Both programmes are being produced by South Shore, which has the support of ITV Studios. They were announced at the Wales Screen Summit, where executives from the BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are giving keynote addresses.

Management of Sony Pictures Networks India is changed

As it puts more emphasis on a digital future, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has made significant adjustments. Neeraj Vyas will supervise SPNI’s Hindi-language entertainment as Business Head of the SET, SAB, PAL, and Hindi Movies networks, while Danish Khan has been named Business Head for streamer SonyLIV and digital production arm Studio NEXT. When the changes take effect on June 1, they will report to NP Singh, the managing director and CEO of SPNI. While Khan presently serves as the Business Head for SET and is responsible for SonyLIV and Studio NEXT, Vyas has recently been in charge of a number of Hindi-language networks. Both have a long history with Sony’s Indian division. For SonyLIV, Saugata Mukherjee is still in charge of content.