BBC Studios Rebrands Production, Content Teams as BBC Studios Productions

K.J. Yossman Sky have released first look images for a new Sky Original drama, “Unwanted.”Inspired by the book “Bilal,” an investigative book from journalist Fabrizio Gatti, the eight-part series tells the story of an undercover human rights defender who is helping migrants journey from Africa to Europe as they battle human traffickers and government officials.Stefano Bises (“Gomorrah”) created and wrote the series in collaboration with with the collaboration of Alessandro Valenti, Bernardo Pellegrini and Michela Straniero.

K.J. Yossman The Walt Disney Company, EMEA, BBC Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment have joined digital trade body the Digital Entertainment Group International (DEGI).DEGI is the sister body of U.S. trade group Digital Entertainment Group (DEG).The group’s mission is “to drive global digital growth” and engagement, which it does via market research, reporting and technological innovation as well as local collaboration and networking.Google, Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros.

EXCLUSIVE: Brian Graden Media has upped EVP of Development Dave Mace to President. Meanwhile, LB Horschler, who had been Executive in Charge of Production at the company for seven years before leaving for Citizen last spring, is returning in a new, larger role, as EVP of Production.

Naman Ramachandran Lorraine Burgess has been confirmed as chief financial officer at BBC Studios after serving as interim CFO since July 2021. Burgess will report into chief executive Tom Fussell.Producer-distributor BBC Studios is U.K. broadcaster BBC’s largest commercial subsidiary, which contributed sales of £1.25 billion ($1.7 billion) in the 2020/2021 financial year.

BBC Studios has appointed Lorraine Burgess, the former MD of Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures, as Chief Financial Officer.

K.J. Yossman As BBC Studios gears up for its annual showcase, where it introduces its upcoming hot projects to international buyers, U.K.-based Jonathan Blyth, BBC Studios’ director of comedy, and Kelly Miller, BBC Studios’ Los Angeles-based senior VP of scripted strategy, sat down with Variety to discuss what’s on their comedy slate, working with streamers and the biggest challenges they’re currently facing.What do you look for in a comedy?Kelly Miller (KM): It’s all about authentic storytelling, that lived-in experience, a talent who has something to say. Those are the comedies and the shows that are most resonant with audiences around the world, but particularly here in the U.S.Jonathan Blyth (JB): Talent is very much at the heart — front and centre.

K.J. Yossman Versa ABC, a new production facility owned and operated by Versa Studios, has opened in Manchester, England.One of its first clients is the BBC One’s Morning Live show, which will broadcast from the space.The 5,000 square feet TV and film facility is on the top two floors of Manchester’s ABC building, earning it the nickname “the studio in the sky.”Overlooking Manchester city center, the space offers production galleries, dressing rooms, production office and green rooms.

A new studio has opened in Manchester and will host BBC One’s Morning Live, with Versa Studios opening its second site in the UK in the space of two months.

Kanye West is clearly having a hard time right now, but we can imagine how Kim Kardashian is probably having a harder time!

Fake heiress Anna Sorokin, otherwise known as Anna Delvey, is working with Surviving R. Kelly producer Bunim/Murray Productions on a limited documentary series.

BBC Studios has promoted Rebecca Glashow to the newly created position of CEO of global distribution.

Naman Ramachandran BBC Studios, the commercial arm of U.K. broadcaster BBC, has promoted Rebecca Glashow to the newly created role of CEO, global distribution.

Penzing Studios, a significant film and TV studio facility development, has begun a phased opening plan in a former air base 30 miles west of Munich.

EXCLUSIVE: Alexandra Fraser, a UK indie veteran and former Joint-CEO of Embarrassing Bodies producer Maverick TV, has joined Channel 4-backed Spirit Studios in the newly-created role of Creative and Board Advisor.

Sky Studios Chief Content Officer Jane Millichip is departing the Comcast-owned pay-TV giant after nine years amid a wider restructure.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorFormosa Group and Fox Post Production Services have announced a strategic alliance.Based at the historic Fox Studio Lot in Century City, Fox Post Production Services encompasses four feature mixing stages, two ADR stages, the famous Newman Scoring Stage, a Foley stage and editing rooms to support the full post-production process. Formosa Group will have a presence in the original Film Editorial building on the lot.

Fox Post Production Services has entered into a strategic alliance with the full-service post-production sound company Formosa Group that will broaden the creative talent available to the studio’s producers, leveraging the storied Fox sound facilities and further expanding business opportunities for both companies.

EXCLUSIVE: Emmy-winning Switchblade Entertainment Group, producers of Rachael Ray’s signature 30 Minute Meals, has rebranded as Intentional Content, and has elevated Switchblade EVP Sean Lee to partner in the company. First up, as Intentional, the company will soon announce two new series in the home space for A+E, set to air in 2022.

K.J. Yossman Jay Ward Productions, owners of beloved animated series including “Rocky & Bullwinkle” and “George of the Jungle,” have inked a wide-ranging deal with kids and family entertainment group WildBrain.The deal covers distribution, production and licensing of Jay Ward Productions’ portfolio, which also includes “Mr.

BBC Studios has restructured to combine its Productions and Content Partnerships businesses, bringing its units under the same roof as the indies it owns including Lookout Point, Clerkenwell Films and House Productions.