BBC Studios-ZDF Scripted Co-Pro Pact; ‘Doctor Foster’ Japan; Fremantle Bags Wildlife; PGGB Names Deputy CEO — Global Briefs

Halle Berry’s daughter is 15!

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent The blockbuster French cast of Amazon Prime Video’s third season of “LOL: Qui rit, qui sort” speaks volumes about the Japanese variety format’s tremendous popularity in France. The Amazon Original series, adapted from the format “LOL: Last One Laughing,” scored its biggest launch to date on Prime Video in France since bowing on March 10. The show is one of the streamer’s first unscripted originals in France and has been a major coup as a brand exercise that’s succeeded with limited resources — certainly in comparison to scripted comedy. Adaptations of “LOL” have also thrived in Italy and Germany where they have ranked as the most watched local titles on the service, respectively. Local versions are also available in Spain, Canada, Mexico and Australia (hosted by Rebel Wilson).

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The much-decorated Japanese drama “Drive My Car” was named the best film Sunday at the Asian Film Awards, defeating hot favorite “Decision to Leave.” Other notable awards went to Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda whose “Broker” debuted at Cannes, but which was largely shunned in his home country. “Decision to Leave,” which started the evening with ten nominations, was nevertheless rewarded with three awards, best screenplay, best production design and best actress for China’s Tang Wei.

Oscars 2023 have been revealed.All the nominees in the four main acting categories as well as Best Director nominees at the 95th Academy Awards will all receive an unofficial goody bag organised by marketing company Distinctive Assets this weekend (March 12).As reported by Forbes, the “Everybody Wins” goody bags will feature 60 items with a focus on luxury wellness promotion. The gifts are valued at around $126,000 (£106,000).After the stress of the Oscars, the goody bag will include a three-night stay for eight people on a volcanic Italian island, a three-night stay in rural Ottawa and a plot of land in Australia, though size and location is currently unknown.A post shared by Distinctive Assets (@swagassets)Leaning into the wellness, the bags will also include immunity booster shots, edible massage oil, a 100-calorie snack bar and a “mental health orb” to help regulate stress.Liposuction, an executive hair restoration consultation and a facelift from a celebrity surgeon will also be given away alongside an $18 (£15) loaf of Japanese milk bread, hand-harvested organic dates, silk pillowcases and a selection of chocolates with a video message included in the box.Sharing an image of the goody bag on Instagram, Distinctive Assets also confirmed that a neck pillow from PETA, a bottle of coconut water and an 18-karat gold bracelet would be part of the “Everyone Wins” nominee gift bag, which will be given out to 26 people.A post shared by Distinctive Assets (@swagassets) According to the report, brands pay between $4,000 (£3,335) and $35,000 (£29,180) to secure a spot in the hamper.

Peter Caranicas Deputy Editor Things are moving fast at Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard. The bicoastal law firm has announced a new co-head of its entertainment practice, new co-heads in the Los Angeles office, a partner promotion, and further development of its art law group.   Caitlin S. DiMotta (above right) has joined Frederick P. Bimbler (above left) in heading up the firm’s entertainment practice. Based in Los Angeles, DiMotta joined the firm in 2021 and works with clients in all areas of development and publishing in the television, literary, comic book/graphic novel, and motion picture industries.   With almost 30 years’ experience in entertainment law, Bimbler has long advised clients in the areas of motion picture, television, theater, and performance art. His portfolio includes clients on both coasts, and he will co-head management of the firm’s Los Angeles office with partner Sarah Conley Odenkirk.  

Peter Caranicas Deputy Editor Things are moving fast at Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard. The bicoastal law firm has announced a new co-head of its entertainment practice, new co-heads in the Los Angeles office, a partner promotion, and further development of its art law group.   Caitlin S. DiMotta (above right) has joined Frederick P. Bimbler (above left) in heading up the firm’s entertainment practice. Based in Los Angeles, DiMotta joined the firm in 2021 and works with clients in all areas of development and publishing in the television, literary, comic book/graphic novel, and motion picture industries.   With almost 30 years’ experience in entertainment law, Bimbler has long advised clients in the areas of motion picture, television, theater, and performance art. His portfolio includes clients on both coasts, and he will co-head management of the firm’s Los Angeles office with partner Sarah Conley Odenkirk.  

K.J. Yossman BBC Studios has backed a new production label, Rebel Rebel Pictures, launched by Simon Shalgosky and Daniel Brookes. Rebel Rebel will focus on unscripted primetime and factual entertainment, aimed at both U.K. and international audiences. Shalgosky and Brookes have both spent decades in television, working across development and production with credits including “Love Island,” “X factor” and “Britain’s Got Talent.” Brookes has previously worked in senior development roles at ITV Studios, SYCO, Expectation Entertainment and MGM Unscripted. Shalgosky was previously head of global development at Seven Studios and has experience at Lion TV, Keshet UK, ITV Studios, and Celador.

BBC Studios has backed a new UK entertainment label helmed by execs Simon Shalgosky and Daniel Brookes.

Frank Doelger’s eco-thriller drama The Swarm has made a splash on German TV.

Jared Leto is stepping out during Paris Fashion Week.

K.J. Yossman “Cunk on Earth” star Diane Morgan and “Intelligence” creator Nick Mohammed have each inked independent deals with BBC Studios. Both comedians, who act and write, have signed deals for development, co-production and distribution of new scripted material, which BBC Studios will rep and distribute internationally. Mohammed is a double Emmy nominee who created and co-starred in “Intelligence” alongside “Friends” star David Schwimmer. He is perhaps best known for his role as Nate in “Ted Lasso” and will be seen in the upcoming feature “Maggie Moore(s)” opposite Jon Hamm and Tina Fey. Mohammed is also an associate of the Inner Magic Circle. Morgan recently had a hit with “Cunk on Earth” in which she starred as professional dim-wit Philomena Cunk. She is also known for comedy show “Mandy,” which she created, wrote and directed, and has starred in shows including “After Life” and “Motherland.”

Ted Lasso‘s Nick Mohammed and After Life‘s Diane Morgan have struck scripted development deals with BBC Studios.

‘Dead Pixels’ Remake Set At India’s Disney+ Hotstar

EXCLUSIVE: Following bidding wars in multiple territories, A24 has sold Past Lives, probably the year’s most critically acclaimed new film, to a raft of key territories.

BBC Studios is gearing up for next week’s Showcase event by signing a global first-look deal with former Warner Bros. Australia TV boss Shaun Murphy.

Imax said today it expects return to pre-pandemic gross box office level of $1.1 billion in 2023.

BreAnna Bell After its Feb. 16 premiere, Fox’s latest comedy “Animal Control” has become the network’s most-streamed scripted debut. Per Fox, “Animal Control” earned 4.5 million total multi-platform viewers in its first three days of availability — an increase of 114% from live + same day figures. On Hulu and Fox Now, the live-action comedy recorded 1.3 million streaming viewers. On linear, the comedy delivered a 0.31 rating in the key adults 18-49 demograhic after it premiered on Feb. 16 to an audience of approximately 2 million total viewers. The feat makes the series Fox’s most-streamed live-action comedy ever, besting the 2015 premiere of “Last Man on Earth” (1.22 million), and pushing it to become Fox’s most watched comedy telecast since the 2021 “Last Man Standing” finale excluding post-NFL telecasts. The telecast scored a 0.5 rating among the adults 18-49 key demographic.

Anyone who likes to get out into nature for a springtime walk has been warned to look out for a highly invasive weed.

“I think we need to find a way to avoid the U.S. brainwash,” said Newen Connect CEO Rodolphe Buet at this morning’s Berlinale Series Adapting to the Market session.

 in 2021 at Universal Studios Japan. Its North American counterpart,, carries over the same medley of real set pieces and augmented reality projection mapping, with guests donning AR goggles as they race through underwater courses and the fan-favorite Rainbow Road. “I’ve ridden this thing 200 times,” Corfino shares.