NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises Names Sandra Smester as Executive Vice President of Programming and Content Development

BreAnna Bell eOne has selected Kris Henigman as its new senior vice president of scripted television, where he will focus on the development and packaging of television projects, Variety has learned exclusively.“I am very excited to join the amazing team at eOne. In addition to eOne’s fantastic original series slate, Hasbro has a deep well of beloved IP that I have been a massive fan of since childhood.

Getting a tattoo on holiday can be a great memento of your time abroad. But its best to do some research into the artist and their work before committing to a design.

Michaela Zee editorSony Pictures Television’s House of NonFiction has appointed seasoned development executive and producer Andie Beckerman as executive vice president of development, Variety has learned exclusively.In her new role at the company, Beckerman will oversee various stories across music, pop culture, sports and social justice that primarily focus on underrepresented or overlooked communities.“Andie’s deep well of experience and sincere appreciation for our mission-driven content make her an excellent fit for this role,” said House of NonFiction founder Alex Stapleton. “As we continue to expand our slate, her perfect background and commendable ability to shepherd projects along every step of the development process will prove invaluable, and we can’t wait to see her impact on our already burgeoning lineup.” Prior to joining House of NonFiction, Beckerman worked for Herzog & Co.

“Arnold Is a Model Student,” Thai filmmaker Sorayos Prapapan’s debut feature – premiering in Locarno’s Cineasti del presente section over the weekend – is a lighthearted satire highlighting Thailand’s recent Bad Student movement and authoritarianism in the country’s schools.The film centres around the titular Arnold, a gold medal Mathematics Olympiad student, whose studies abroad have earnt his model student status in the eyes of his school administrators.An international co-production between Thailand, the Netherlands, Singapore, Germany and France, “Arnold” international sales rights are handed by Square Eyes.The film has also had its eight-year journey impacted by filming challenges relating to the pandemic, but its story also evolved in response to contemporary political events in Thailand. “The Bad Student movement came in 2020 and it affected the script a lot,” Prapapan reflects, “it was a perfect match.” Objecting to disciplinary methods such as policing hair, dress codes and physical punishment including caning, the movement published a pamphlet about surviving the school system.

BritBox is hoping to carve out a niche for Anglo-centric programming in the U.S. and its boss has taken a particularly British swipe at rival streamers for their attempts.

Barry Keoghan is a dad!

Viggo Mortensen, who stars in the new movie Thirteen Lives, has said that his role in this film had many similarities to his iconic role as Aragorn in Lord of the Rings!

Carson Burton Mackenzie Mitchell has been promoted to vice president of specials, music and live events for CBS Entertainment, Jack Sussman — executive vice president of specials, music, live events and alternative programming — announced Friday.In her new role, Mitchell will oversee a significant portion of the specials programming production and development for CBS Entertainment’s lineup. The executive started at the network eight years ago as a temporary assistant in the specials and live events programming department.“Mackenzie literally started as a temp at CBS, answering phones and scheduling meetings, but her passion, intellect, creative instincts and keen eye for material has helped her to become one of the finest event programming executives working in television today,” Sussman said.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBeverly Chase has been promoted to vice president of current programming and development for Vice News and Vice World News, Variety has learned exclusively.Chase was previously the executive producer of long form for Vice News. In her new role, Chase will continue to serve as as executive producer and showrunner of “Vice” on Showtime.

Sandra Bullock is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, she tends to keep her life away from the spotlight more private.MORE: Sandra Bullock opens up about decision to step away from actingThat extends to her relationship with boyfriend Bryan Randall, who she has been with since 2015 and helps her raise her two kids, Laila and Louis.VIDEO: Sandra Bullock says 'mother-child dynamic' transcends raceThe actress and her photographer partner have a low-key relationship, but on the rare occasion, Sandra has opened up about her personal life, including Bryan.Appearing on Red Table Talk in December, the Blind Side star gushed about the "love of my life," talking also of their children, including his adult daughter from a previous relationship. "We share two beautiful children — three children, his older daughter.

Korea, India and Southeast Asia climbed 21% in 2021 to reach $10.4 billion. They are forecast to grow a further 15% to $12 billion in 2022, according to the 2022 edition of the Asia Video Content Dynamics report.The report, published by consultancy and research firm Media Partners Asia (MPA), attributed the 2021 surge to key operators replenishing content pipelines after the initial waves of COVID-19 depleted programming inventories in 2020. All content verticals except theatrical generated strong gains.

Video content budgets across India, Korea and Southeast Asia climbed 21% to reach $10.4bn in 2021, and are forecast to grow 15% to $12bn in 2022, according to a report from Media Partners Asia (MPA).

K.J. Yossman Sky Studios has appointed Tobias Rosen as vice president of Sky Studios Deutschland.

Carson Burton Elita Fielder Adjei has been named vice president of corporate communications for National Geographic Content. The newly-created role will find Adjei responsible for the overall communications strategy of the company in order to raise its profile and build upon its reputation in the industry.Adjei, who previously worked as director of communications and publicity at Disney Media Entertainment and Distribution, will be responsible for leading internal and external communications for National Geographic Content.Adjei will report to Courteney Monroe, president of National Geographic Content, and Charissa Gilmore, senior vice president of corporate communications for Disney General Entertainment.

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has appointed Sandra Smester as executive vice president, programming and content development. In the newly created role, Smester will oversee the development and execution of programming for the network beginning in August.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterCorie Henson has been hired by NBCUniversal Television & Streaming as the executive vice president of entertainment unscripted content.Henson takes over the role from Jenny Groom, who exited the company earlier this week. She will report to Susan Rovner, the entertainment content chairman for NBCU TV & Streaming.“Corie is one of the most respected executives in the business and brings a resume overflowing with big unscripted hits that have broken out across broadcast, streaming and cable platforms,” Rovner said.

Colin Farrell and Viggo Mortensen joined the cast of their movie Thirteen Lives for the latest red carpet premiere!