Visual Effects Firm DNEG And Partner Bail On Ill-Timed SPAC Merger

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorFans of the Netflix series “Inventing Anna,” which chronicles the rise of con artist Anna Sorokin, may have noticed an intriguing guest star: Cisco phones are used prominently in at least one episode. If advertising giant Interpublic Group has its way, more advertisers are likely to get those sorts of cameos.Two companies under Interpublic’s umbrella — the Rogers & Cowan PMK entertainment-marketing operations and the large Mediabrands media-buying unit — are teaming up to launch a new analysis-and-database product that helps advertisers determine what movies, TV programs and streaming series will serve as a good fit for in-show product placement.

EXCLUSIVE: Demascus, the AMC sci-fi comedy drama series, has found a director.

Ted Sarandos confirmed today that Netflix is speaking to multiple potential partners to help it introduce ads to its platform.

‘Allo Insiders, Jesse Whittock here. The sun is scorching out there in London today (I promise you this does happen occasionally), but I’ve stayed just cool enough to bring you a rundown of this week’s biggest stories.

Netflix has released the first official teaser of Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe, famous for playing comedic “blonde bombshell” characters, in the upcoming film “Blonde”.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorDNEG, a U.K.-based visual effects and animation house whose customers include Netflix and major Hollywood film studios, has called off plans to go public amid the broad global slump in financial markets.In January, DNEG had announced plans to merge with Sports Ventures Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), in a deal valuing the company at $1.7 billion. The duo had previously expected that to close in the first half of 2022.On Thursday, the companies announced the termination of the agreement as a result of “current unfavorable SPAC market conditions” and other factors.

Well, it seems like it’s been an eternity and in the works for ages, but our first official look at Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe in director Andrew Dominik’s “Blonde,” is here, with a first look teaser trailer and new images. Based on the bestselling novel by Joyce Carol Oates, “Blonde” boldly reimagines the life of Marilyn Monroe, exploring the split between her public and private selves.

Actor Kevin Spacey received an unconditional bail from a U.K. court in his sexual assault case Thursday.

Associated Press. He will remain free on unconditional bail until a July 14 hearing, where he will formally plead.The actor had previously said in a statement to “Good Morning America” that he would “voluntarily appear” in court and was “confident” that he could prove his innocence.

Manori Ravindran International EditorNetflix Canada is open for business, and they don’t need to wait around for their American colleagues to move forward on green lights.That message was loud and clear at the Banff World Media Festival, where the streaming service has  been at the heart of several tense conversations around the country’s rumbling drive to regulate digital platforms.While the three Netflix executives on stage Wednesday didn’t directly address the ongoing regulation drive in the background, what’s abundantly clear is that they’re getting ahead of regulation and pre-emptively moving forward on Canadian originals — before their hand is forced.The panel featured Winnipeg native Tara Woodbury, manager for Canadian series; Danielle Woodrow, director of Canadian series; and Peter Friedlander, head of scripted series for the U.S. and Canada, who was moderating the session.

“Nimona” for Annapurna Pictures and Netflix and the animated “Garfield” movie set at Alcon Entertainment and Sony, as well as Locksmith’s next animated title “That Christmas.” They’re also working on an unannounced episodic animated title for a streamer. Prior to DNEG, Burton had worked within animation for both Disney Animation and DreamWorks.

EXCLUSIVE: After being courted by every major agency in town, Squid Game creator, writer/director, and executive producer Hwang Dong-hyuk, , along with his producing partner Kim Ji-yeon, also an executive producer on the series, have signed with CAA.

Warner Bros. Television Group adds to its growing roster of talent by signing a new first-look deal with writer/producer Bill Prady and Chris Sanagustin’s Pine Tree Entertainment. Under the terms of the deal, Pine Tree Entertainment will develop new scripted programming — including dramas, multi- and single-camera comedies, genre series, and more — for all platforms, including HBO Max, external streaming services, cable, and broadcast networks.

Netflix Head of Global TV Bela Bajaria has stressed a “back to basics” response to the tricky past few months, as she questions “Are we the underdog now?” and says “this is a good place to be.”

Bill Prady, co-creator of The Big Bang Theory, is heading back to Warner Bros. Television.

The S&P 500, down more than 3% in late-morning trade, fell into bear market territory Monday – defined by a dip of more than 20% from its most recent high — with little upbeat news on the horizon and not much going well on three key fronts: surging inflation, rising interest rates and the Russia-Ukraine War.

It’s official — Netflix has renewed its biggest series, Squid Game, for a second season. The followup had been in development, and Netflix brass — as well as the series’ writer, director and executive producer Hwang Dong-hyuk and main cast — had  teased a return of the show following the runaway success of the initial installment.