Netflix Hires Spotify Co-Head of Music Marian Dicus as VP Marketing for North America (EXCLUSIVE)

Mary J. Blige is reflecting on her groundbreaking 1994 album My Life in the new documentary “Mary J. Blige’s My Life” for Amazon Prime Video.

EXCLUSIVE: Regal Cinemas will release Craig Singer’s independent film 6:45 exclusively in theaters in the U.S. and Canada on August 6

Leo Barraclough International Features EditorMenemsha Films has acquired all rights for North America and Canada to revenge drama “Plan A” from Munich-based world sales agency Global Screen, which is e-attending the Pre-Cannes Screenings and will host a screening for the film on Wednesday.Other deals were concluded with Signature Entertainment for U.K., Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, while Twelve Oaks Pictures picked up the film in Spain.

John Hopewell Chief International CorrespondentContinuing its resilient acquisition of higher-profile commercial titles for distribution in the U.S. and Canada, Saban Films has picked up North American rights to “The Hyperions,” an indie superhero movie headed by Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride”).Saban Films has set a theatrical release for Feb.

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentParis-based banner Indie Sales has closed deals in key markets for Flore Vasseur’s environment-themed documentary “Bigger Than Us” which is produced by Oscar-winning actress and activist Marion Cotillard.

Variety watches each of the shorts in Annecy’s main competition selection and picks ten of our favorites.

Hubert Lenoir knows how to cut a figure. The 26-year-old pop musician, who emerged from Quebec City in 2018, captured interest in Canada and beyond its borders with his debut album Darlène, an excellent and sprawling rock epic duly shortlisted for the Polaris Prize.

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle EditorAmazon is thinking outside the box for ways to promote its new sci-fi action movie ‘The Tomorrow War.’ Literally.For the first time, Amazon will be branding its shipping boxes to promote an Amazon Studios film. The boxes will be used in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Australia beginning Friday, June 18.

Gravitas Demigod Deal

Netflix is ramping up its investment north of the border.

Christopher Vourlias As the ambassador for this year’s Key Buyers Event, the annual showcase for Russian content and talent organized by state film promotion body Roskino, leading man Yuri Kolokolnikov, who was born in Moscow but raised in Canada, sees himself as a fitting spokesperson for an event designed to build bridges.“Since early childhood, my life was between East and West. I witnessed how the world has become unified, in spite of all the existing disagreements,” he told Variety.

Arriving on Netflix in time for Father’s Day is the dramedy “Fatherhood” starring Kevin Hart, who told ET Canada’s Carlos Bustamante all about playing an on-screen single dad to Melody Hurd.

Following Chris Harrison’s permanent departure from the “Bachelor” franchise, a number of celebrities have been tapped to guest-host “Bachelor in Paradise” this summer.

John Hopewell Chief International CorrespondentCanada’s leader in animated pre-production is teaming up with one of France’s premier animation studios in a bid to address the chronic shortage of storyboard artists on the market.House of Cool (“Ferdinand,” “Trollhunters”) is lending its expertise to France’s Ecole Cartoucherie Animation Solider (ECAS), a free-of-charge non-profit CG animation school established by TeamTO (“Mighty Mike”, “Angelo Rules”) in 2018, to expand its scope to

It’s a good day for Simon Cowell, who has extended his globe-conquering Got Talent franchise in two new directions.

Manori Ravindran International EditorCanada’s got Drake, Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen, and now it’s “Got Talent,” too.The global Fremantle format makes its triumphant return after 10 years off air, heading to Rogers Sports & Media-backed channel Citytv for a local adaptation of Simon Cowell’s hit talent show.

EXCLUSIVE: Devilworks, the genre sales specialist, has launched a full-service distribution label. Named New Era Entertainment, the banner will focus on North American releases, primarily for home entertainment.

Netflix is expanding Peter Friedlander’s purview, naming him head of UCAN (that’s U.S. and Canada) scripted series.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorNetflix head of global TV Bela Bajaria has picked her head of U.S./Canada scripted series, promoting longtime creative exec Peter Friedlander to the role.Brian Wright, Netflix’s head of overall deals who had overseen shows including “Stranger Things,” is leaving the company. Friedlander, most recently head of spectacle and event TV programming, is assuming oversight of the company’s partnerships with creative talent.

The Backstreet Boys are already planning celebrations for their 30th anniversary.