Mediaset Launches $855 Million Bid for Full Ownership of Spanish TV Unit

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefChinese filmmaker, artist and influencer Yi Zhou has launched a cluster of companies that have begun making feature movies for the metaverse.Zhou, who departed China in 2011, trained in Paris and London, before settling in Rome for several years where she worked as an installation artist, fashion influencer for Chinese streaming site Tudou (now part of Alibaba) and short film director. Three of her shorts have played in Sundance, while another played at the Venice Festival.In 2018, Zhou relocated to Los Angeles in order to increase her focus on developing entertainment endeavors.

Paramount International boss Raffaele Annecchino has talked up the streamer for “launching quicker than others” in key European markets, as he unveiled a tied-up with global Lupin and Narcos production house Gaumont and set titles from France, Argentina and Germany.

Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentItalian commercial broadcaster Mediaset announced on Monday that it will be holding a board meeting to decide whether to raise its stake in Mediaset Espana, following press reports that the company intends to gain full control of its Spanish TV unit.In a statement issued by its MediaForEurope subsidiary, Mediaset, which is controlled by the family of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, said it will hold a board meeting on Monday or Tuesday “with a view to adopting eventual resolutions on the case.”“A study is being made of the strategy regarding the stake held in Mediaset Espana,” the statement said.Mediaset, which currently owns a more than 50% stake in Mediaset Espana, is believed to be mulling the launch of a takeover bid of the remaining more than 40% stake it does not own in the company, which has a market value of €1.6 billion ($1.8 billion) according to Bloomberg.

John Hopewell Chief International CorrespondentTelefonica’s Movistar Plus, Spain’s biggest pay-TV/SVOD operator, has launched an in-house overseas sales division, Movistar Plus Internacional, headed up by former Sony and Buendía Estudios exec Maria Valenzuela. Lorena Molloy, an ex-exec at The Mediapro Studio, has joined Movistar Plus Internacional beginning in March as its head of communication and marketing. Valenzuela, who began working with the platform last summer, heading international strategy and business development, reports directly to Domingo Corral, Movistar Plus’ director of original production.Movistar Plus Internacional is making further appointments, raising staff to around 10 employees, Valenzuela said. It will attend all major markets, beginning with Series Mania and MipTV/Canneseries, focusing at least in the short term on sales to Europe, Eastern Europe, U.S.

Naman Ramachandran BBC Studios has inked its first major factual multi-year content deal in Italy with Mediaset, the country’s top private generalist TV network. The BBC’s long-term agreement with Mediaset covers first-window exclusive pre-sales in Italy of its natural history shows including its upcoming “Frozen Planet II,” “Dynasties II” and “Planet Earth III.” The Mediaset package deal also comprises providing an additional annual 25 hours of content for Mediaset’s Focus Channel, for an unspecified number of years.

Craig Mallon murder detectives are hunting a mystery woman who called emergency crews hours after the Scot's death as she may hold vital information.

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has provided an update on Franck Kessie's future amid links to Manchester United.

Bella Hadid and her boyfriend Marc Kalman are spending some quality time together!

Rita Ora is heating up Milan!

Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith make one picture perfect couple!

Serena Williams, 40, and her daughter Olympia, 4, recently turned heads when they were spotted walking in Milan, Italy for the city’s Milan Fashion Week. The tennis champ was wheeling a piece of luggage, which the adorable tot sat on, while being photographed during the memorable moment and wore a black sweatshirt, black leggings, and white sneakers. She also had her curly hair down and carried a purse across her body as she showed off her comfortable style.

LCD Soundsystem will be the musical guests on this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live.Set to air tomorrow night (February 26), the episode will be hosted by John Mulaney, marking his fifth time presenting the late night sketch show.It’s the second time James Murphy and co. have played SNL, the first time being back in 2017 when they were promoting their last album, ‘American Dream’.With each episode of the show, the hosts and musical guests get together to shoot a promo for the forthcoming episode.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky put on new outfits after the Gucci fashion show to step out for a late night dinner in Milan!

Jared Leto and Lee Jung-jae are both double nominees at this weekend’s SAG Awards, but first they’re joining forces at Milan Fashion Week!

Gigi Hadid and her younger sister Bella are continuing to walk in the same fashion shows!

Lily James is looking so hot in her latest outfit!

Rihanna is continuing to slay the pregnancy style game!