Warner Bros. Discovery Moves Up Launch of New Diversity Pipeline Program After Industry Outcry

UPDATED with afternoon session: The oldest daughter of filmmaker Paul Haggis said Monday there is “circumstantial” evidence of a Church of Scientology plot against her father, who is facing a rape accusation in New York civil court, after he walked away from the religious organization and became a vocal Scientology critic. 

Stowe Story Labs on Wednesday unveiled this year’s Stowe Launch fellows. This is the second year of the pilot program, which serves as Stowe Story Labs’ advanced development program for top emerging screenwriters and filmmakers.

Women in Animation has named producer Chris Nee, Epic Games and and Seyed Mohsen Pourmohseni Shakib’s film It’s a Gray, Gray World as the recipients of its sixth annual WIA Diversity Awards, which are being doled out as part of Spark Animation 2022.

Jonathan Martin is returning to Politico after almost a decade at The New York Times.

Marta Balaga “We need to be cheerleaders, not gatekeepers,” said UKTV’s commissioning editor Sarah Asante, during a discussion at Mipcom on diversity and inclusion in the TV industry. “I have always heard that phrase: ‘gatekeepers.’ Barriers to access is a massive issue in this industry. Everyone trying to get in has a story about ‘having to know someone, having to be the son of a CEO or the daughter of a manager.’ That’s true, but there is a good number of commissioners of my cohort, who have my focus on how to tell the best stories from the biggest range of people.” “This industry is always saying we need more content, but then they ask: ‘Oh, where are your credits?’ You don’t live up to what you say.”

Clayton Davis Actor, singer and host Keke Palmer is prepping the launch of her digital network KeyTV, which aims to spotlight a new generation of creators. Variety has learned exclusively the channel will launch on Nov. 3. Palmer had roles in two box office hits in 2022 — voicing space ranger Izzy Hawthorne in Pixar’s “Lightyear” and playing alien chasing sister in Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” receiving standout notices from critics and audiences. Universal Pictures will campaign her performance for best supporting actress consideration this awards season. She also hosts NBC’s game show revival of “Password,” from executive producer Jimmy Fallon, and provides a voice for “Big Mouth” and its spinoff, “Human Resources.”

Warner Bros. Discovery has performed a quick U-turn on its decision to close its Writers and Directors Workshops.

Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week, we’re speaking with Working Title Television’s Surian Fletcher-Jones, the executive producer who is responsible for bringing the likes of Nida Manzoor’s We Are Lady Parts and Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love to the small screen. 

Brooke Karzen, who has been with Warner Bros.’ unscripted production division for over 20 years, is leaving the company.

Selome Hailu Brooke Karzen is stepping down from her post as executive vice president and head of Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, Variety has learned. She shared the news with staff via a memo on Monday. See the full memo below. Dear Team, I’m reaching out today, so you hear the news from me that I’ve decided to leave my position as Executive Vice President and Head of Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Leaving Warner Bros. after 22 years was not an easy decision, but the time is right for a change. I will take some time to consider new opportunities and am excited to start a new chapter.

Darren Hayes is opening up about homophobia that he faced in the music industry.

Third time is the charm? The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been a major topic of conversation ahead of its release — from the mysterious plot to lead actor Chris Pratt‘s accent in the film.

James McAvoy speaks on stage during the His Dark Materials interview at New York Comic Con 2022 on Thursday (October 6) in New York City.

Mindy Kaling and Constance Wu sat down at HBO Max’s Velma panel during New York Comic Con 2022 on Wednesday (October 6) in New York City.

The conversation around Chris Pratt’s casting as the voice of Mario in Illumination and Nintendo’s upcoming The Super Mario Bros Movie was well underway before Thursday. But it hit a new gear after the first trailer – and first listen of Pratt’s interpretation of the video game icon — was released at New York Comic-Con. It hits theaters April 7, 2023.

At New York Comic-Con today, attendees finally got a look at Illumination Animation/Universal’s The Super Mario Bros Movie, which features the voices of Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.

The first trailer for the upcoming film The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been released!

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large Kimiko Glenn (“Orange Is the New Black”) and H. Michael Croner (“Craig of the Creek”) have been cast as voice-over co-stars in Disney Branded Television’s upcoming animated series “Kiff,” which will premiere in 2023 on the Disney Channel. Scroll down for a first look at the series. Glenn will play Kiff, described as “an optimistic squirrel whose thirst for life takes her on countless adventures through her town.” Croner will voice Barry, a bunny that Disney calls Kiff’s “naive and lovable bestie.” South Africa-based creators Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal are behind “Kiff,” which was set to be unveilved, with casting news and teaser trailer, on Thursday at New York Comic-Con.