Latest from Next TV in Channel-4

Bellini Named to SNI International Post

Mike Farrell — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:00:00 +0000

Scripps Networks International has tapped long-time cable executive Barbara Bellini as its vice president of commercial affairs and operations and international program distribution. Based in London, Bellini reports to Scripps Networks International chief financial officer Simone Nardi.

In her new role, Bellini, who has more than 20 years experience in international program distribution, rights management and business affairs, will be responsible for the operational aspects of the program distribution division and support its expansion. She will also help manage programming deals for the international division, providing strategic support in structuring international programming deals and managing the content pipeline to ensure the most effective use of Scripps programming internationally.

“As we continue to grow Scripps Networks’ presence internationally, we are creating a team dedicated to expanding our reach around the world,” Nardi said in a statement. “Barbara’s extensive industry experience in international programming and rights management, along with her excellent negotiation skills and market savvy, will further strengthen our talented international team.”

Prior to joining Scripps Networks, Barbara held consulting roles at Channel 4 in the UK and A+E Networks, where she performed comprehensive competitive analyses and developed content and rights strategies. Prior to that, she served as senior vice president of Business Affairs, Acquisitions and Programming at Discovery Networks International, where she played a key role in over 30 new international channel launches, including the launch of flagship lifestyle network TLC. She also held senior leadership roles at National Geographic TV International and Channel 4 International, where she oversaw all international programming transactions and brokered key domestic and international content deals.

AMC Series Has 'Humans' Touch

Mike Reynolds — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 17:00:00 +0000

AMC is adding another sci-fi drama to its lineup.

The home to TV’s 18-to-49 drama, The Walking Dead, has reached a deal for Humans, which was initially part of Xbox Entertainment Studios’ portfolio. AMC will coproduce with Shine Group-owned Kudos and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4.

Humans is set in a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a ‘Synth’ - a highly-developed robotic servant eerily similar to its live counterpart. In the hope of transforming the way they live, one strained suburban family purchases a refurbished synth only to discover that sharing life with a machine has far-reaching and chilling consequences.

AMC and Channel 4 are scheduled to air the eight, one-hour instalments in 2015. Shooting will start this fall.

Last July, Microsoft said it would close down XES, an effort to create original content for its gaming consoles, as part of a plan to lay off 18,000 workers.

"’Humans is that rare sci-fi series that puts the emphasis squarely on the character aspect of the story, and explores the emotional impact that will come with an increasingly blurry line between human and machine. We're thrilled to be working with Kudos and Channel 4, both of whom have shown a long-standing commitment to smart, and deeply original drama series" said Joel Stillerman, executive vice president, programming, production and digital content for AMC.

”I am proud of the work we have done shepherding Humans to this point, as well as facilitating and ensuring a smooth transition for our friends at Kudos/Shine and Channel 4," said XES president Nancy Tellem. "While we focus on our future plans, given the show’s production timetable and the support required to guarantee a successful co-production with a shared first window, we wanted to make certain the show found the right home now. We couldn't be more optimistic about Humans' long-term future at AMC.”

Lifetime Orders Intelligence Competition Series 'Child Genius'

Will Hagle — Fri, 02 May 2014 19:15:00 +0000

Lifetime has ordered eight episodes of a new competition series called Child Genius.

The series, which focuses on children and families preparing for a national intelligence competition, was created in cooperation with the American MENSA organization.

The series has been adapted from the UK version, which aired last year on Channel 4. The US version is produced by Shed Media US. Pam Healey, John Hesling and Dan Snook executive produce the series, as well as Lifetime’s Eli Lehrer, Mary Donahue and David Hillman.

The series is currently casting and is scheduled to premiere later this year, after the intelligence competition takes place this summer.