Latest from Next TV in Leftfield-entertainment

ITV America Names David George CEO

MCN Staff — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 19:33:00 +0000

David George was named to succeed Brent Montgomery as CEO of ITV America. Montgomery, whose production company, Leftfield Entertainment, was acquired by ITV in 2014, was named CEO of ITV America in 2015 and is leaving to create a new entertainment company, the production firm said. He will stay on for six months to advise George, who becomes CEO immediately. George had been the company president.

ITV America, of which Montgomery was the original architect, encompasses Leftfield Pictures, Sirens Media, Loud TV and Outpost Entertainment as well as ITV Entertainment, High Noon Entertainment, Thinkfactory Media and other production partnerships.

Ed Simpson, who had been executive VP of business development and international at ITV America, will leave to join Montgomery in his new enterprise, the company said.

ITV Studios managing director Julian Bellamy said in a release: “I fully understand Brent’s decision; he’s an entrepreneur at heart and this move takes him back to what he loves doing most. I would like to thank Brent for being a fantastic leader of ITV America and I’m delighted he will be partnering with us in his new venture. Brent hands over a business in great shape with an exceptionally strong team behind it. It’s a testament to his leadership that we are able to appoint a new CEO from within the group.”

ITV America shows include Hell’s Kitchen on Fox; an upcoming reboot of Queer Eyefor the Straight Guy for Netflix; HGTV’s Fixer Upper, now in its final season; A&E’s The First 48; Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey and Pawn Stars, which Montgomery sold to History early on, in 2009.

Leftfield Pins Down Production Deal With WWE’s John Cena

thomas.umstead@futurenet.com (R. Thomas Umstead) — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Leftfield Entertainment has signed WWE Superstar John Cena to a development deal that will produce several unscripted projects, the two parties announced Wednesday.

Leftfield, which currently produces Cena-starrer American Grit will co-create and produce several reality-themed shows for television and digital platforms. Leftfield, along with Cena – who is hosting tonight’s ESPY Awards -- are already in development on several projects including series set in the worlds of real estate and construction, and several others geared to both male and female audiences, according to Leftfield.

“There’s nowhere you can go with John Cena without eliciting respect, pure joy and excitement from everyone he meets, said Leftfield Entertainment CEO David George. “Beyond his physical strength and presence, his humor, strength of character and genuine desire to give back always comes through. That’s an inspiring place from which to create entertainment content, so we’re extremely proud and happy to be in business with John.”

Brent Montgomery in Line to Head ITV Studios U.S.

jon.lafayette@futurenet.com (Jon Lafayette) — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 19:45:00 +0000

Brent Montgomery, creator of Pawn Stars and other top reality series, is expected to be named head of ITV Studios U.S. Group, although the deal is not complete.

ITV acquired Montgomery’s Leftfield Entertainment in 2014 for $360 million. The acquisition was part of ITV’s move to bulk up its production company assets.

Montgomery would Paul Buccieri, who left ITV to join A+E Networks.

In a memo to staff after news of the potential move broke in publications including Variety, Montgomery said "there is a very good chance that I will be taking over a new role as head of ITV"s American operations," but he added any sort of a deal is weeks away. (Pictured: Montgomery moderating a panel at The Content Show, photo by John Staley.)