Netflix Introduces Emerging Filmmaker Initiative (EXCLUSIVE)

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentThe Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film School is set to launch a Series Lab with the support of Netflix and VIS Social Impact, ViacomCBS International Studios’ new cause-driven production division. Hagai Levi, the creator of “In Treatment” and “The Affair,” has joined the new program as artistic advisor. For the last decade, the film school has been hosting a popular film lab which was founded by Renen Schorr and has become a major curator of world cinema gems.

Manori Ravindran International Editor“The Tinder Swindler,” an eye-opening documentary about a notorious con man who used the dating app to defraud multiple women, could be getting the movie treatment.Variety understands that Netflix is in talks with producers about dramatizing the wild documentary that’s likely to make any Tinder user’s blood run cold. Sources indicate that the conversation is in early stages, and that the tone of a potential film is still being worked out.“The Tinder Swindler” debuted on the streaming service only on Wednesday, and it’s already cracking the platform’s Top 10 lists in the U.S.

Netflix has assembled the young series regular cast of That ’90s Show, a follow-up to hit sitcom That ’70s Show.

Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentThe year 2022 has started out strong for Netflix in Arabic-speaking countries, where its edgy originals are making a punchy debut.The streamer’s first Arab original film, “Perfect Strangers,” sparked an uproar in socially conservative Egypt due to its portrayal of a gay male character and taboo storylines. Meanwhile, “Finding Ola” toplines Cairo-based Tunisian star Hend Sabry as a happy divorcee who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after her divorce. Both are reflections of the streamer’s thematically groundbreaking strategy in the region, says Nuha Eltayeb, Netflix’s director of acquisitions in MENA and Turkey.“We’re looking for content that will create impact for the viewers, where they will find it authentic and representative, and at the same time relatable to their day-to-day storylines,” says Eltayeb.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNetflix has ordered the drama series “The Brothers Sun” from co-creators Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu, Variety has learned.The streamer has given the series an eight-episode order. It follows a Taipei gangster, Charles Sun, who’s settled into his life as a ruthless killer. But when his father is shot by a mysterious assassin, Charles must go to L.A.

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentNetflix and Finnish broadcaster YLE are set to co-produce “Dance Brothers,” a young adult dance drama series which marks Endemol Shine Finland’s first scripted commission. “Dance Brothers” is a 10-part Finnish language series created and produced by Max Malka, Endemol Shine Finland’s head of scripted. Filming is set to kick off in the Spring in Helsinki, Finland’s capital, with Taito Kawata on board to direct.

EXCLUSIVE: Lysa Heslov, the filmmaker best known for her award-winning 2017 documentary Served Like A Girl, has signed with Gersh for representation.

EXCLUSIVE: Imagine Entertainment has tapped Netflix executive Kristen Zolner as Head of Imagine Television. This marks the first major executive hire since Tony Hernandez & Lilly Burns, co-founders of Imagine-owned Jax Media, were named Presidents of Imagine Entertainment earlier this month, overseeing film and television for Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s indie company, which has been the center of acquisition speculation.

Naman Ramachandran Krishna D.K. and Raj Nidimoru, best known for hit Amazon Prime Video India series “The Family Man,” are partnering with Netflix on series “Guns & Gulaabs” under their D2R Films banner. “The series is set to uniquely blend the romance of the 90s with a crime thriller while effortlessly lacing it in humor,” according to Netflix.

Manori Ravindran International EditorA long-gestating movie about The Who’s late drummer Keith Moon is finally moving ahead, with plans in place to shoot in Britain this summer, Variety can reveal.The project, which is tentatively titled “The Real Me” (the title of a song on Who album “Quadrophenia”), has Moon’s former band members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend on board as executive producers. The pic is directed by Paul Whittington (“The Crown,” “White House Farm”) with a script from prolific British screenwriter Jeff Pope, who was Oscar-nominated for “Philomena.”Los Angeles-based White Horse Pictures is producing.

It’s finally here! Peyton List’s highly anticipated makeup collection entitled Pley Beauty officially drops today, Thursday, January 27 — and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before in the clean beauty sphere.

Major changes are being introduced to Universal Credit today, which could see some claimants lose out on their payments.

Holidaymakers who are heading to Spain next month will need to ensure that they’ve had their final vaccination dose within 270 days prior to travel.

Triangle Strategy trailer has introduced new character Frederica Aesfrost.Frederica is one of the playable characters available in Triangle Strategy, and is engaged to the protagonist, Serenoa Wolffort. Frederica appears to be a very forlorn character, with some of her dialogue being very despondent.

Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentThe Arabic adaptation of hit Italian movie “Perfect Strangers,” which is Netflix’s first Arab original film, is sparking controversy in Egypt and across West Asia due to a gay character and taboo-breaking storylines, prompting the U.S. streaming giant to respond.Since its release, the Beirut-set “Perfect Strangers” redo has been among the top trending topics on social media in West Asia, a region also referred to as the Middle East.

Naman Ramachandran Netflix and Sky are co-producing for the first time on natural history series “Predators,” a six-parter that will follow six predators across changing landscapes. The series will premiere on Sky Nature in the U.K., Germany and Italy in winter 2022.

Spoiler Alert: The description below has spoilers about the Netflix movie The Lost Daughter

EXCLUSIVE: After making a new overall deal at Netflix for his 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks late last year, Spike Lee has set Steven Jackson to join his company in the post of Head of Production and Development.  Jackson had been Manager of Original Series and Interactive at Netflix, and he moves into his new position immediately. Jackson will be responsible for overseeing a slate of projects to fulfill the potential of that Netflix deal.

Will Arnett is joined by an array of celebrity guests in the new trailer for “Murderville”.