AMC Networks to Develop Multiple True Crime Projects, Signs Four Creators to Talent Deals

Tom Grater International Film ReporterEXCLUSIVE: Sam Humphrey, the New Zealand-born actor, has signed with Los Angeles-based management company Key Talent.Humphrey is most known for his role as Tom Thumb in the box office smash The Greatest Showman.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterFox is developing a one-hour music anthology series, Variety has confirmed.The series is currently titled “Icon.” Each season would focus on the true stories of the music legends we think we know.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterCynthia Erivo has signed a first-look television deal with MRC Television and Civic Center Media, MRC’s joint venture with UTA.Under the deal, Erivo will develop and produce television projects through her newly formed production company, Edith’s Daughter. Edith’s Daughter will focus on projects that express the beauty in the stories and people who are often overlooked and underrepresented.

Peter White Television EditorEXCLUSIVE: UMC, the streaming service operated by AMC Networks, has ordered its latest original drama – a male dating series created by newcomer Trell Woodberry.For the Love of Jason looks at being single in your 30s from the male perspective.Woodberry stars as Jason alongside an ensemble cast that features Sister, Sister’s Jackée Harry, All American’s Kareem Grimes, Being Mary Jane’s B.J.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterCarlos Portugal is developing the one-hour mystery drama “Miss NG” at HBO Max, Variety has learned exclusively.The series is set in the small town of Nuevo Guerrero, where nothing is more important than the annual Miss Nuevo Guerrero beauty pageant. But when last year’s winner goes missing, her former best friend, her arch-rival and her half-sister all enter the upcoming pageant.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBreakout TikTok star Sarah Cooper is developing a single-camera comedy at CBS inspired by her book “How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings.”In a competitive situation with a penalty attached, Cooper is attached to co-write and executive produce the potential series, with Cindy Chupack onboard as co-writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Nina Tassler, Denise Di Novi, and Joan Boorstein will executive produce under their PatMa Productions banner.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterTanya Saracho has signed an overall deal with Universal Content Productions (UCP).Under the deal, Saracho will develop original television projects for UCP as well as podcasts via the studio’s UCP Audio division. She will also establish a lab and incubator program aimed to nurture, amplify, guide, and empower intersectional Latinx voices.

Andreas Wiseman International EditorAMC Networks’ horror SVOD service Shudder is extending to Australia and New Zealand.

Peter White Television EditorEXCLUSIVE: AMC Networks-owned streamer UMC has ordered a legal drama from Adam Starks (On My Block), Tracy Grant (Lincoln Heights) and Kemy Time Productions.The subscription service, dedicated to Black film and TV and a rival of ViacomCBS’ BET+, has handed Lace a six-episode order for its first season.The series will follow a prolific Los Angeles attorney who often blurs the lines between right and wrong to protect her rich and powerful clientele.It is currently

Joe Otterson TV ReporterKelly Clarkson will temporarily take over for Simon Cowell on the “America’s Got Talent” judging panel.

Jill Goldsmith Co-Business EditorAMC Networks has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission accusing AT&T of penalizing the The Walking Dead broadcaster in favor of its own competing channels like HBO and TNT by insisting on “discriminatory” terms to renew its affiliation agreement.AT&T called AMC Networks’ complaint “without merit.” In a statement it said, “We treat all programmers fairly and will continue to work with AMC Networks to provide its content at a price that is

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterAMC Networks has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission accusing AT&T of abusing its market power in order to unfairly advantage its own networks, HBO and TNT.Though much of the complaint is redacted, AMC appears to be complaining that AT&T is seeking to limit AMC’s ability to make its content available on digital platforms, such as Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Peter White Television EditorAMC Networks is doubling down on true crime documentaries and series by striking a raft of talent deals with podcasters and late-night correspondents.The company has struck deals with Mona Chalabi, data expert on Netflix’s The Fix, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee correspondent Naomi Ekperigin, Cameron Esposito, host of the Queery podcast, and The Daily Show alumnus Jena Friedman.AMC said it was working on a talent-driven approach to true crime programming.It is also

AMC Networks, the cable networks company that operates AMC, IFC, WE tv, BBC America and SundanceTV, on Tuesday reported lower second-quarter earnings and said U.S. advertising revenue fell 14.6 percent, less than previously feared, in the first quarter that was fully affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Also Read: AMC Networks' U.S. Ad Sales Drop 14.6% in Q2 With Delayed 'Walking Dead' Finale, 'World Beyond' Premiere“They actually identify with and are interested in the steady flow of material there,” Sapan continued.

Jill Goldsmith Co-Business EditorAMC Networks said it plans to restart production on the second half of Season Six of Fear The Walking Dead in Texas in late August; on new series Kevin Can F*** Himself in Boston at the end of September; and on Seasons 11 of The Walking Dead in Georgia in October. “Our ability to resume in the safest possible way is something we are closely focused on,” said CEO Josh Sapan on a conference call Tuesday.

Jill Goldsmith Co-Business EditorAMC Networks’ net income plunged to $15 million, or $0.28 a share for the second quarter, versus $129 million or $2.25 the year before, hit by hefty write downs for $130 million.Revenue dipped 16.3% to $646 million on softer advertising – down 18% in the U.S.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorAMC Networks said the coronavirus pandemic and a substantial impairment charge contributed to a significant decline in second quarter profit, the latest media company to show the signs of grappling with conditions that have scuttled TV production and slowed the flow of advertising.The New York owner of the AMC, IFC and Sundance cable networks said net income fell to $15 million, or 28 cents a share, compared with $128.7 million, or $2.25 a share, in the

Nellie Andreeva, Peter White AMC Networks Entertainment Group President Sarah Barnett will be stepping down from her position after Labor Day.

Also Read: AMC Networks Hires Lionsgate TV Executive Dan McDermott as Original Programming Chief“This is a year that has confronted us with radical change on multiple fronts,” said Barnett. “After a lot of consideration – and with a slightly breaking heart – I have decided that it is the right time for me to follow my curiosity and leave things in the very capable hands of the outstanding team at AMC Networks.