Part two of Good Trouble’s fifth and final season is currently airing on Freeform, followed by Part two of grown-ish‘s sixth and final season in the spring . When it ends, so will the presence of original scripted series on the Disney cable network.
Once a destination for pop culture defining YA series such as Pretty Little Liars, Freeform over the past few years has scaled back its original scripted fare, with no current shows and no major projects in the pipeline.
There have been a lot of questions lately about the viability of original scripted programming on ad-supported basic cable, with many networks pulling away from it due to high costs that are hard to sustain amid declining linear ratings and accelerated cord-cutting.
The prospect of Freeform maintaining an original scripted slate faced further uncertainty when the network was dropped by leading cable operator Charter in September...
Once a destination for pop culture defining YA series such as Pretty Little Liars, Freeform over the past few years has scaled back its original scripted fare, with no current shows and no major projects in the pipeline.
There have been a lot of questions lately about the viability of original scripted programming on ad-supported basic cable, with many networks pulling away from it due to high costs that are hard to sustain amid declining linear ratings and accelerated cord-cutting.
The prospect of Freeform maintaining an original scripted slate faced further uncertainty when the network was dropped by leading cable operator Charter in September...
- 2/10/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform will not be moving forward with new seasons of “Cruel Summer” and “Good Trouble,” Variety has confirmed.
An anthology series, Season 2 of of “Cruel Summer” followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. “Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward,” reads the official description.
After making waves with its explosive first season (which averaged multiplatform+35 viewership of 6.8 million viewers per episode) that quickly became the network’s most-watched series ever, Freeform followed up the performance with a fast Season 2 renewal in 2021 — a move Freeform president Tara Duncan called an “easy decision” at the time.
Variety previously reported on creator Bert V. Royal’s exit from “Cruel Summer...
An anthology series, Season 2 of of “Cruel Summer” followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. “Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward,” reads the official description.
After making waves with its explosive first season (which averaged multiplatform+35 viewership of 6.8 million viewers per episode) that quickly became the network’s most-watched series ever, Freeform followed up the performance with a fast Season 2 renewal in 2021 — a move Freeform president Tara Duncan called an “easy decision” at the time.
Variety previously reported on creator Bert V. Royal’s exit from “Cruel Summer...
- 12/8/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran television executive Jamila Hunter has departed Freeform to take on the role of president of Macro Television Studios.
Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King on Thursday announced Hunter’s new role at the company, where she will oversee the television team and the slate of projects in development and production.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jamila to the company,” King said in a statement. “She is one of the most stellar and accomplished executives in television and I look forward to adding her wealth of knowledge, leadership skills and extensive experience to the company to propel Macro Television Studios to the next level.”
Hunter joins Macro from Freeform, where she served as executive VP of original programming and development. Under her leadership, Freeform launched “Cruel Summer,” which is executive produced by Jessica Biel and ranks among the network’s most-watched programs ever. Additionally, Hunter’s team developed “Single Drunk Female,...
Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King on Thursday announced Hunter’s new role at the company, where she will oversee the television team and the slate of projects in development and production.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jamila to the company,” King said in a statement. “She is one of the most stellar and accomplished executives in television and I look forward to adding her wealth of knowledge, leadership skills and extensive experience to the company to propel Macro Television Studios to the next level.”
Hunter joins Macro from Freeform, where she served as executive VP of original programming and development. Under her leadership, Freeform launched “Cruel Summer,” which is executive produced by Jessica Biel and ranks among the network’s most-watched programs ever. Additionally, Hunter’s team developed “Single Drunk Female,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Freeform has run out of praise for Praise Petey.
The Disney-owned cable network has canceled the adult-leaning animated comedy fronted by Schitt’s Creek alum Annie Murphy after a single season.
Series creator Anna Drezen (Saturday Night Live) broke the news with a heartfelt post on social media, writing: “I have heard that making a non-ip show during covid that premieres during a double strike in the dead of summer was not ideal for viewership.” She notes that the show is still available to stream on Hulu “as of right now,” indicating that there could be plans for the show to be removed from the platform as Disney looks to cut costs by another $2 billion.
Freeform ordered the series, which was exec produced by animation kings Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, in December 2021 as head of originals Jamila Hunter planned to push the younger-skewing cable network into animation with the...
The Disney-owned cable network has canceled the adult-leaning animated comedy fronted by Schitt’s Creek alum Annie Murphy after a single season.
Series creator Anna Drezen (Saturday Night Live) broke the news with a heartfelt post on social media, writing: “I have heard that making a non-ip show during covid that premieres during a double strike in the dead of summer was not ideal for viewership.” She notes that the show is still available to stream on Hulu “as of right now,” indicating that there could be plans for the show to be removed from the platform as Disney looks to cut costs by another $2 billion.
Freeform ordered the series, which was exec produced by animation kings Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, in December 2021 as head of originals Jamila Hunter planned to push the younger-skewing cable network into animation with the...
- 11/14/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The wave of Disney layoffs that began Monday has hit Freeform and ABC, as well as Disney Television Studios, with key executives departing and roles being consolidated, TheWrap has confirmed.
The development follows news of ESPN’s impact from the wider Disney layoffs earlier in the day.
Julie Jarmon, who was in her second stint at Freeform as SVP development, is leaving as part of the layoffs. Development and current will be consolidated under Jamila Hunter, EVP of original programming and development. Freeform’s Alix Lee, director of development and programming, will also leave as part of the changes.
Stacey Adams, ABC’s SVP, current programming is also leaving. Adams had been leading the network’s drama efforts. Head of drama Brianna Bennett will now take over duties of the role.
Also Read:
ESPN Corporate Comms VP Mike Soltys Cut After 43 Years in Disney Layoffs
Additionally, 20th Television and ABC Signature...
The development follows news of ESPN’s impact from the wider Disney layoffs earlier in the day.
Julie Jarmon, who was in her second stint at Freeform as SVP development, is leaving as part of the layoffs. Development and current will be consolidated under Jamila Hunter, EVP of original programming and development. Freeform’s Alix Lee, director of development and programming, will also leave as part of the changes.
Stacey Adams, ABC’s SVP, current programming is also leaving. Adams had been leading the network’s drama efforts. Head of drama Brianna Bennett will now take over duties of the role.
Also Read:
ESPN Corporate Comms VP Mike Soltys Cut After 43 Years in Disney Layoffs
Additionally, 20th Television and ABC Signature...
- 4/24/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Day 1 of Disney’s second wave of layoffs is impacting ABC and Freeform’s senior programming ranks and Disney Television Studios’ music operations.
Respected development executive Julie Jarmon, in her second stint at Freeform as SVP development, is departing, with development and current consolidated under Jamila Hunter, EVP of original programming and development.
Stacey Adams, ABC’s SVP, Current Programming, who has been leading the network’s drama current team, is departing. Head of drama Brianna Bennett, who has been spearheading development, will now also take over current. (ABC head of comedy Erin Wehrenberg already has been handling both development and current).
Over the past couple of decades, networks have gone multiple times back-and-forth between having standalone current programming departments and combining them with development.
20th Television and ABC Signature’s music departments are being...
Respected development executive Julie Jarmon, in her second stint at Freeform as SVP development, is departing, with development and current consolidated under Jamila Hunter, EVP of original programming and development.
Stacey Adams, ABC’s SVP, Current Programming, who has been leading the network’s drama current team, is departing. Head of drama Brianna Bennett, who has been spearheading development, will now also take over current. (ABC head of comedy Erin Wehrenberg already has been handling both development and current).
Over the past couple of decades, networks have gone multiple times back-and-forth between having standalone current programming departments and combining them with development.
20th Television and ABC Signature’s music departments are being...
- 4/24/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform has ordered the new scripted series “The Watchful Eye” to series, with Mariel Molino (“Promised Land”) set to lead the cast.
Formerly known as “The Nanny” and created by Julie Durk (“Grace and Frankie”), “The Watchful Eye” focuses on Elena Santos (Molino), a young woman who begins a new job as a live-in nanny for an affluent Manhattan widower and his young son. Moving into their apartment building the Greybourne, she quickly discovers the secrets of many of the other inhabitants, while struggling to hide her own complicated past. The show was ordered to pilot at the network back in September 2021 with Andrea Londo in the lead role.
In addition to Molino, the series also stars Warren Christie (“The Village”) as Elena’s employer Matthew, Kelly Bishop (“Gilmore Girls”) as lifelong Greybourne resident Mrs. Ivey, Amy Acker (“The Gifted”) as Matthew’s sister-in-law Tory, Jon Ecker (“Firefly Lane”) as Elena’s boyfriend Scott,...
Formerly known as “The Nanny” and created by Julie Durk (“Grace and Frankie”), “The Watchful Eye” focuses on Elena Santos (Molino), a young woman who begins a new job as a live-in nanny for an affluent Manhattan widower and his young son. Moving into their apartment building the Greybourne, she quickly discovers the secrets of many of the other inhabitants, while struggling to hide her own complicated past. The show was ordered to pilot at the network back in September 2021 with Andrea Londo in the lead role.
In addition to Molino, the series also stars Warren Christie (“The Village”) as Elena’s employer Matthew, Kelly Bishop (“Gilmore Girls”) as lifelong Greybourne resident Mrs. Ivey, Amy Acker (“The Gifted”) as Matthew’s sister-in-law Tory, Jon Ecker (“Firefly Lane”) as Elena’s boyfriend Scott,...
- 6/30/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Freeform has picked up to series The Watchful Eye (fka The Nanny) drama with Mariel Molino (Promised Land) set to lead the ensemble cast. The Watchful Eye (fka The Nanny), which was ordered to pilot last year, hails from Julie Durk (Grace and Frankie), Ryan Seacrest Productions and ABC Signature.
Created by Durk, who also serves as consultant, The Watchful Eye is described as a Hitchcockian contemporary thriller that follows a young woman as she is thrust into a world of old money and deadly secrets. It follows Elena Santos, played by Molino, a young woman with a complicated past, maneuvering her way into working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family in Manhattan. She quickly learns that everyone in the mysterious building has deadly secrets and ulterior motives. What they don’t know, however, is that Elena has some shocking secrets of her own.
Molino’s Elena is a bright,...
Created by Durk, who also serves as consultant, The Watchful Eye is described as a Hitchcockian contemporary thriller that follows a young woman as she is thrust into a world of old money and deadly secrets. It follows Elena Santos, played by Molino, a young woman with a complicated past, maneuvering her way into working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family in Manhattan. She quickly learns that everyone in the mysterious building has deadly secrets and ulterior motives. What they don’t know, however, is that Elena has some shocking secrets of her own.
Molino’s Elena is a bright,...
- 6/30/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Freeform is headed into the world of wealthy Manhattanites with its latest series pickup.
The Disney-owned cable outlet has greenlit The Watchful Eye, a thriller centered on a young nanny who goes to work for a wealthy New York family that harbors a closetful of secrets.
Mariel Molino (ABC’s Promised Land) will play the lead role of Elena Santos, who maneuvers her way into a job with an affluent family and has some shocking secrets of her own. Molino takes over from Andrea Londos, who played Elena in the show’s pilot; sources say the character was reworked after the pilot, leading to the recasting.
Julie Durk (Grace and Frankie) created The Watchful Eye and will serve as a consultant. Emily Fox (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) will be the showrunner on the series from ABC Signature and Ryan Seacrest Productions.
“I’m...
Freeform is headed into the world of wealthy Manhattanites with its latest series pickup.
The Disney-owned cable outlet has greenlit The Watchful Eye, a thriller centered on a young nanny who goes to work for a wealthy New York family that harbors a closetful of secrets.
Mariel Molino (ABC’s Promised Land) will play the lead role of Elena Santos, who maneuvers her way into a job with an affluent family and has some shocking secrets of her own. Molino takes over from Andrea Londos, who played Elena in the show’s pilot; sources say the character was reworked after the pilot, leading to the recasting.
Julie Durk (Grace and Frankie) created The Watchful Eye and will serve as a consultant. Emily Fox (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) will be the showrunner on the series from ABC Signature and Ryan Seacrest Productions.
“I’m...
- 6/30/2022
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Freeform has picked up the new drama “The Watchful Eye” from Ryan Seacrest Productions. Formerly known as “The Nanny,” the Mariel Molino–starring series is created by Julie Durk (“Grace and Frankie”), who also serves as consultant.
The ABC Signature–produced show follows Elena Santos (Molino), a young woman with a complex past and a few skeletons in her closet, who begins working as an au pair for a wealthy family. However, she quickly realizes that everyone in the luxurious Manhattan apartment building – called the Greybourne – is also hiding deadly secrets and ulterior motives.
Emily Fox (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) is showrunner and executive producer. Seacrest, Nina Wass, Andrea Shay and Jeffrey Reiner also executive produce with Reiner directing the pilot.
Also Read:
Sarah Hyland to Host ‘Love Island’ US Version for Peacock, First Trailer Revealed (Video)
“I’m incredibly excited about this series because it presents a contemporary twist on...
The ABC Signature–produced show follows Elena Santos (Molino), a young woman with a complex past and a few skeletons in her closet, who begins working as an au pair for a wealthy family. However, she quickly realizes that everyone in the luxurious Manhattan apartment building – called the Greybourne – is also hiding deadly secrets and ulterior motives.
Emily Fox (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) is showrunner and executive producer. Seacrest, Nina Wass, Andrea Shay and Jeffrey Reiner also executive produce with Reiner directing the pilot.
Also Read:
Sarah Hyland to Host ‘Love Island’ US Version for Peacock, First Trailer Revealed (Video)
“I’m incredibly excited about this series because it presents a contemporary twist on...
- 6/30/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Freeform is getting into animation for the first time, with the basic cabler ordering the series “Praise Petey” while also announcing two more animated shows into development.
“Praise Petey” hails from “SNL” writer Anna Drezen with “Schitt’s Creek” star Annie Murphy in the lead role. The show follows Petey (Murphy), a New York City “it” girl who has it all until her life comes crashing down around her. As luck would have it, a mysterious gift from her father gives her a new lease on life: she’s going to “lean into” modernizing his small-town cult. The series will begin production in early 2022.
The voice cast also includes: John Cho (“Cowboy Bebop”) as Bandit, a potential love interest for Petey and a cult member since childhood whose mother was a high-ranking member; Kiersey Clemons (“The Flash”) as Eliza, a bartender at the local bar and reluctant Bff to Petey, working...
“Praise Petey” hails from “SNL” writer Anna Drezen with “Schitt’s Creek” star Annie Murphy in the lead role. The show follows Petey (Murphy), a New York City “it” girl who has it all until her life comes crashing down around her. As luck would have it, a mysterious gift from her father gives her a new lease on life: she’s going to “lean into” modernizing his small-town cult. The series will begin production in early 2022.
The voice cast also includes: John Cho (“Cowboy Bebop”) as Bandit, a potential love interest for Petey and a cult member since childhood whose mother was a high-ranking member; Kiersey Clemons (“The Flash”) as Eliza, a bartender at the local bar and reluctant Bff to Petey, working...
- 12/9/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Freeform has ordered an animated comedy series about a New York City It girl starring Annie Murphy, John Cho, Christine Baranski.
The youth-skewing network has handed Praise Petey (w/t) from SNL head writer Anna Drezen, who created the series, and exec producers including Monica Padrick, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels a series order.
It comes as the Disney-owned network takes another crack at animation, having previously developed a number of series in this space.
Praise Petey follows Petey, voiced by Schitt’s Creek star Murphy, a New York City “it” girl who has it all until her life comes crashing down around her. As luck would have it, a mysterious gift from her father gives her a new lease on life: she’s going to lean into modernizing his small-town cult.
Cowboy Bebop star Cho voices Bandit, a potential love interest for Petey and a cult member since childhood whose mother was a high-ranking member.
The youth-skewing network has handed Praise Petey (w/t) from SNL head writer Anna Drezen, who created the series, and exec producers including Monica Padrick, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels a series order.
It comes as the Disney-owned network takes another crack at animation, having previously developed a number of series in this space.
Praise Petey follows Petey, voiced by Schitt’s Creek star Murphy, a New York City “it” girl who has it all until her life comes crashing down around her. As luck would have it, a mysterious gift from her father gives her a new lease on life: she’s going to lean into modernizing his small-town cult.
Cowboy Bebop star Cho voices Bandit, a potential love interest for Petey and a cult member since childhood whose mother was a high-ranking member.
- 12/9/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Television Academy Foundation named two new members to its board of directors: Nne Ebong, vice president of overall deals for series at Netflix, and Jamila Hunter, executive vice president of programming and development at Freeform. Both have been elected to three-year terms.
At Netflix, Ebong leads the development of original series under creative partnerships with Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and others. She joined Netflix after serving as creative lead at film and television studio Wiip, where she developed and produced projects for cable, streaming and the international marketplace. Her projects at Wiip included HBO’s “The White House Plumbers” and Amazon’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Ebong also developed series such as “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and “American Crime” while heading drama development for ABC Studios from 2013 to 2018.
Ebong’s humanitarian work includes being a “big sister” through...
At Netflix, Ebong leads the development of original series under creative partnerships with Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and others. She joined Netflix after serving as creative lead at film and television studio Wiip, where she developed and produced projects for cable, streaming and the international marketplace. Her projects at Wiip included HBO’s “The White House Plumbers” and Amazon’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Ebong also developed series such as “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and “American Crime” while heading drama development for ABC Studios from 2013 to 2018.
Ebong’s humanitarian work includes being a “big sister” through...
- 10/15/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, Wif celebrated outstanding women who are transforming the entertainment industry for the better with the 2021 Wif Honors: Trailblazers of the New Normal supported by sponsor Max Mara for the 18th year, alongside Visionary Partners ShivHans Pictures and Lexus.
Jane Fonda accepts the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award
Credit/Copyright: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Women In Film
The annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. The evening, hosted by comedian Jenny Yang, was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
This year’s Wif Honors acknowledged the transformative work that it takes to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and equitable, celebrating the collective efforts that this year’s honorees have made to improve our world and our business. The 2021 Wif Honors: Trailblazers of the New Normal honored Jane Fonda with the...
Jane Fonda accepts the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award
Credit/Copyright: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Women In Film
The annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. The evening, hosted by comedian Jenny Yang, was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
This year’s Wif Honors acknowledged the transformative work that it takes to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and equitable, celebrating the collective efforts that this year’s honorees have made to improve our world and our business. The 2021 Wif Honors: Trailblazers of the New Normal honored Jane Fonda with the...
- 10/11/2021
- Look to the Stars
Wif announced today the honorees for the 2021 Wif Honors that will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Formerly named the Crystal + Lucy Awards®, the annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. This is the first time the organization has been able to hold its fundraising celebration since 2019, due to the pandemic.
This year’s Wif Honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities. The iconic Crystal Award will be presented to the following pairs of collaborators:
Marlee Matlin and SIÂN Heder
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder
Zendaya and Ashley Levinson
Marlee Matlin and Sian Heder...
Formerly named the Crystal + Lucy Awards®, the annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. This is the first time the organization has been able to hold its fundraising celebration since 2019, due to the pandemic.
This year’s Wif Honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities. The iconic Crystal Award will be presented to the following pairs of collaborators:
Marlee Matlin and SIÂN Heder
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder
Zendaya and Ashley Levinson
Marlee Matlin and Sian Heder...
- 9/22/2021
- Look to the Stars
Women In Film, Los Angeles has set Marlee Matlin, Siân Heder, Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Zendaya and Ashley Levinson as the recipients of its 2021 Crystal Award, recognizing outstanding artists whose advocacy has helped to expand the role of women within entertainment.
Matlin and Heder will be honored for “setting a new precedent for representation and accessibility in front of and behind the camera” on their Apple coming-of-age dramedy, Coda. Smart and Einbinder, the Emmy-nominated stars of HBO Max’s hit comedy series Hacks, will be recognized for performances that bring to light issues Wif has been working to address for decades—specifically, sexism, ageism, and harassment in the entertainment industry. Then, there’s Zendaya and her producing partner Levinson, who will be acknowledged for their disruption of “the imbalanced, traditional systems of compensation and ownership,” having developed a shared equity model for their acclaimed Netflix feature, Malcolm & Marie.
The...
Matlin and Heder will be honored for “setting a new precedent for representation and accessibility in front of and behind the camera” on their Apple coming-of-age dramedy, Coda. Smart and Einbinder, the Emmy-nominated stars of HBO Max’s hit comedy series Hacks, will be recognized for performances that bring to light issues Wif has been working to address for decades—specifically, sexism, ageism, and harassment in the entertainment industry. Then, there’s Zendaya and her producing partner Levinson, who will be acknowledged for their disruption of “the imbalanced, traditional systems of compensation and ownership,” having developed a shared equity model for their acclaimed Netflix feature, Malcolm & Marie.
The...
- 9/14/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Zendaya, Marlee Matlin and Jean Smart have been named honorees for Women in Film 2021 Wif Honors. Formerly, the Crystal + Lucy Awards, the annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry.
Also honored will be “Coda” writer Sian Heder, “Hacks” actress Hannah Einbinder and producer Ashley Levinson. The Wif honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities.
This year, the awards ceremony will be held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on Oct. 6, in a return to an in-person event.
The Wif Honors Committee, chaired by Esther Chang, is comprised of Jamila Hunter, Michelle Lee, Monica Levinson, Talitha Watkins, and Lauren Williams.
Also honored will be “Coda” writer Sian Heder, “Hacks” actress Hannah Einbinder and producer Ashley Levinson. The Wif honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities.
This year, the awards ceremony will be held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on Oct. 6, in a return to an in-person event.
The Wif Honors Committee, chaired by Esther Chang, is comprised of Jamila Hunter, Michelle Lee, Monica Levinson, Talitha Watkins, and Lauren Williams.
- 9/14/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Julie Jarmon, most recently VP Scripted Programming Development at The CW, has been named SVP Development for Freeform, overseeing scripted series development for the Disney network.
This marks Jarmon’s return to Freeform where she previously served as an executive director in development. She replaces Lynn Barrie who in March left Freeform after a three-year stint as SVP Original Programming and Development.
Jarmon, who starts Aug. 23, will oversee the Freeform scripted series development team, identify new ideas and concepts for scripted series at the network, and supervise creative production on series pilots, as well as the first season of all new scripted series.
“Julie has a keen understanding of our audience. She has a proven track record for finding unique and captivating stories and understands the importance of authentically reflecting the spirit of the millennial and Gen Z generation,” said Jamila Hunter, EVP of Programming and Development, Freeform, to whom Jarmon will report.
This marks Jarmon’s return to Freeform where she previously served as an executive director in development. She replaces Lynn Barrie who in March left Freeform after a three-year stint as SVP Original Programming and Development.
Jarmon, who starts Aug. 23, will oversee the Freeform scripted series development team, identify new ideas and concepts for scripted series at the network, and supervise creative production on series pilots, as well as the first season of all new scripted series.
“Julie has a keen understanding of our audience. She has a proven track record for finding unique and captivating stories and understands the importance of authentically reflecting the spirit of the millennial and Gen Z generation,” said Jamila Hunter, EVP of Programming and Development, Freeform, to whom Jarmon will report.
- 8/19/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform has tapped Julie Jarmon as senior VP of development in a return to the network for the exec, who was part of Freeform’s original launch team.
Jarmon, most recently VP of scripted programming development at the CW, will oversee the scripted series development team in her new role, reporting to Jamila Hunter, exec VP of programming and development. Jarmon will identify new ideas and concepts for scripted series at the network, and supervise creative production on series pilots, as well as the first season of all new scripted series.
The exec previously was an executive director on the network’s development team, working on such series as “The Bold Type,” “Alone Together” and “Motherland: Fort Salem.”
“Julie has a keen understanding of our audience,” Hunter said. “She has a proven track record for finding unique and captivating stories and understands the importance of authentically reflecting the spirit of...
Jarmon, most recently VP of scripted programming development at the CW, will oversee the scripted series development team in her new role, reporting to Jamila Hunter, exec VP of programming and development. Jarmon will identify new ideas and concepts for scripted series at the network, and supervise creative production on series pilots, as well as the first season of all new scripted series.
The exec previously was an executive director on the network’s development team, working on such series as “The Bold Type,” “Alone Together” and “Motherland: Fort Salem.”
“Julie has a keen understanding of our audience,” Hunter said. “She has a proven track record for finding unique and captivating stories and understands the importance of authentically reflecting the spirit of...
- 8/19/2021
- by Diane Garrett
- Variety Film + TV
Julie Jarmon is returning to Freeform.
The former exec director who developed series for the Disney-backed cabler including The Bold Type, Alone Together and Motherland: Fort Salem has been re-hired as senior vp development. In her new role, which begins Aug. 23, she will oversee Freeform’s scripted development team, identify new ideas and concepts for original series and oversee pilots and first seasons of those shows.
Jarmon will report to Jamila Hunter, who was elevated in December to serve as exec vp originals. Hunter was promoted by new Freeform president Tara Duncan, who was hired to replace Tom Ascheim last ...
The former exec director who developed series for the Disney-backed cabler including The Bold Type, Alone Together and Motherland: Fort Salem has been re-hired as senior vp development. In her new role, which begins Aug. 23, she will oversee Freeform’s scripted development team, identify new ideas and concepts for original series and oversee pilots and first seasons of those shows.
Jarmon will report to Jamila Hunter, who was elevated in December to serve as exec vp originals. Hunter was promoted by new Freeform president Tara Duncan, who was hired to replace Tom Ascheim last ...
- 8/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Julie Jarmon is returning to Freeform.
The former exec director who developed series for the Disney-backed cabler including The Bold Type, Alone Together and Motherland: Fort Salem has been re-hired as senior vp development. In her new role, which begins Aug. 23, she will oversee Freeform’s scripted development team, identify new ideas and concepts for original series and oversee pilots and first seasons of those shows.
Jarmon will report to Jamila Hunter, who was elevated in December to serve as exec vp originals. Hunter was promoted by new Freeform president Tara Duncan, who was hired to replace Tom Ascheim last ...
The former exec director who developed series for the Disney-backed cabler including The Bold Type, Alone Together and Motherland: Fort Salem has been re-hired as senior vp development. In her new role, which begins Aug. 23, she will oversee Freeform’s scripted development team, identify new ideas and concepts for original series and oversee pilots and first seasons of those shows.
Jarmon will report to Jamila Hunter, who was elevated in December to serve as exec vp originals. Hunter was promoted by new Freeform president Tara Duncan, who was hired to replace Tom Ascheim last ...
- 8/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a sea of corporate dramas, office sitcoms and high school coming-of-age sagas, college narratives are a rare find. Oftentimes, they are simply nonexistent.
Such series as the late-1980s and early-1990s’ “A Different World,” the 1990s’ “Felicity” and early-aughts’ “Community” garnered success despite their niche university-based worlds — and other series still followed characters from high school into college — yet networks and streaming services have yet to fully explore the totality of diverse experiences that take place in college.
Right now, Freeform’s “Grown-ish,” Netflix’s “Dear White People” and ABC’s “The Goldbergs” (through only a few of its core characters) are the lone pieces of collegiate representation in the scripted space, while Netflix’s “Deaf U” is carrying the mantle in unscripted.
“I think it’s a failure of imagination on creative execs, to be honest,” says Justin Simien, “Dear White People” creator and showrunner, about the lack of college-set shows.
Such series as the late-1980s and early-1990s’ “A Different World,” the 1990s’ “Felicity” and early-aughts’ “Community” garnered success despite their niche university-based worlds — and other series still followed characters from high school into college — yet networks and streaming services have yet to fully explore the totality of diverse experiences that take place in college.
Right now, Freeform’s “Grown-ish,” Netflix’s “Dear White People” and ABC’s “The Goldbergs” (through only a few of its core characters) are the lone pieces of collegiate representation in the scripted space, while Netflix’s “Deaf U” is carrying the mantle in unscripted.
“I think it’s a failure of imagination on creative execs, to be honest,” says Justin Simien, “Dear White People” creator and showrunner, about the lack of college-set shows.
- 6/17/2021
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
When Olivia Holt rose to prominence on Disney Xd’s “Kickin’ It” in 2011, she was barely 14 years old — the same age as Jessica Biel when she began working on the family drama “7th Heaven,” 15 years earlier.
Now, the two women are teaming up for “Cruel Summer,” Freeform’s psychological thriller in which Holt stars as Kate Wallis, a high schooler who goes missing. Her classmate, Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), is accused of being connected to her disappearance, which becomes the central mystery of the series, told in a nonlinear fashion over the course of three years in the mid-’90s.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to be part of this project is because of the incredible team of women behind [it],” says Holt, referring to Biel, who serves as executive producer, along with showrunner Tia Napolitano and Michelle Purple, Biel’s producing partner at their Iron Ocean production banner,...
Now, the two women are teaming up for “Cruel Summer,” Freeform’s psychological thriller in which Holt stars as Kate Wallis, a high schooler who goes missing. Her classmate, Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), is accused of being connected to her disappearance, which becomes the central mystery of the series, told in a nonlinear fashion over the course of three years in the mid-’90s.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to be part of this project is because of the incredible team of women behind [it],” says Holt, referring to Biel, who serves as executive producer, along with showrunner Tia Napolitano and Michelle Purple, Biel’s producing partner at their Iron Ocean production banner,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Tara Duncan has been in the job as President of Freeform for just over seven months and she is starting to put her mark on the Disney-owned network.
She tells Deadline what her priorities are for the network, new areas that she’s looking to move into and also addresses recent concerns over diversity.
This comes after she attended her first TCA in charge, an event where Freeform revealed it had handed a series order to comedy pilot Single Drunk Female and was piloting an adaptation of Phoebe Robinson’s book Everything’s Trash But It’s Okay.
Current Freeform originals include dramas The Bold Type, The Fosters spin-off Good Trouble and Motherland: Fort Salem and comedies Grown-ish and Everything’s Going To Be Okay. The Jessica Biel-produced Cruel Summer is also launching later this year.
Duncan said while the network is “highly resourced”, expect around the same number of scripted originals on air.
She tells Deadline what her priorities are for the network, new areas that she’s looking to move into and also addresses recent concerns over diversity.
This comes after she attended her first TCA in charge, an event where Freeform revealed it had handed a series order to comedy pilot Single Drunk Female and was piloting an adaptation of Phoebe Robinson’s book Everything’s Trash But It’s Okay.
Current Freeform originals include dramas The Bold Type, The Fosters spin-off Good Trouble and Motherland: Fort Salem and comedies Grown-ish and Everything’s Going To Be Okay. The Jessica Biel-produced Cruel Summer is also launching later this year.
Duncan said while the network is “highly resourced”, expect around the same number of scripted originals on air.
- 2/26/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform has promoted Jamila Hunter to oversee all original programming for the cable network, while hiring ex-Quibi executive Jihan Robinson to head up unscripted content.
Hunter was most recently senior vice president of current and alternative programming, while Robinson was head of documentary programming at the now-defunct streaming service.
“Jamila is a beloved and experienced executive with impeccable taste and relationships. It’s a coup for us to have her at Freeform, where she regularly demonstrates strong leadership and a genuine enthusiasm for our brand,” said Freeform president Tara Duncan. “As we venture into non-fiction, it was crucial to find an executive with a finger on the pulse of what’s relevant. Jihan is a hip and seasoned executive who brings pedigree and a fresh perspective to the network. I am excited to have these two powerhouses leading the team.”
Quibi shut down on Dec. 1, after less than a year.
Hunter was most recently senior vice president of current and alternative programming, while Robinson was head of documentary programming at the now-defunct streaming service.
“Jamila is a beloved and experienced executive with impeccable taste and relationships. It’s a coup for us to have her at Freeform, where she regularly demonstrates strong leadership and a genuine enthusiasm for our brand,” said Freeform president Tara Duncan. “As we venture into non-fiction, it was crucial to find an executive with a finger on the pulse of what’s relevant. Jihan is a hip and seasoned executive who brings pedigree and a fresh perspective to the network. I am excited to have these two powerhouses leading the team.”
Quibi shut down on Dec. 1, after less than a year.
- 12/7/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Freeform is bolstering its executive ranks following the departure of Lauren Corrao.
The Disney-owned youth-skewing network has promoted Jamila Hunter and brought in former Quibi docs boss Jihan Robinson following Corrao’s exit and the appointment of Tara Duncan as President of Freeform.
Hunter, who was previously SVP of Current Series and Alternative Programming, has been named EVP, Original Programming and Development. In the role, she will oversee all scripted and unscripted development and current original programming for the network. She reports to Duncan.
Separately, Robinson, who was formerly Head of Documentaries at short-lived, short-form service Quibi becomes VP, Alternative Programming. She reports to Hunter and will oversee non-fiction and alternative content for the network as it ramps up its programming in the unscripted arena.
In her previous role, Hunter oversaw scripted series including grown-ish, Good Trouble and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay and lead the order of limited series...
The Disney-owned youth-skewing network has promoted Jamila Hunter and brought in former Quibi docs boss Jihan Robinson following Corrao’s exit and the appointment of Tara Duncan as President of Freeform.
Hunter, who was previously SVP of Current Series and Alternative Programming, has been named EVP, Original Programming and Development. In the role, she will oversee all scripted and unscripted development and current original programming for the network. She reports to Duncan.
Separately, Robinson, who was formerly Head of Documentaries at short-lived, short-form service Quibi becomes VP, Alternative Programming. She reports to Hunter and will oversee non-fiction and alternative content for the network as it ramps up its programming in the unscripted arena.
In her previous role, Hunter oversaw scripted series including grown-ish, Good Trouble and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay and lead the order of limited series...
- 12/7/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform has promoted Jamila Hunter to executive vice president of original programming and development, where she will oversee all scripted and unscripted development and current originals for the Disney-owned youth cabler. The network has also named Jihan Robinson vice president of alternative programming, where she will oversee nonfiction and alternative content, reporting to Hunter.
“Jamila is a beloved and experienced executive with impeccable taste and relationships. It’s a coup for us to have her at Freeform, where she regularly demonstrates strong leadership and a genuine enthusiasm for our brand,” said Freeform president Tara Duncan. “As we venture into non-fiction, it was crucial to find an executive with a finger on the pulse of what’s relevant. Jihan is a hip and seasoned executive who brings pedigree and a fresh perspective to the network. I am excited to have these two powerhouses leading the team.”
Most recently, Hunter was senior...
“Jamila is a beloved and experienced executive with impeccable taste and relationships. It’s a coup for us to have her at Freeform, where she regularly demonstrates strong leadership and a genuine enthusiasm for our brand,” said Freeform president Tara Duncan. “As we venture into non-fiction, it was crucial to find an executive with a finger on the pulse of what’s relevant. Jihan is a hip and seasoned executive who brings pedigree and a fresh perspective to the network. I am excited to have these two powerhouses leading the team.”
Most recently, Hunter was senior...
- 12/7/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
New Freeform president Tara Duncan has solidified her executive team.
Former head of current Jamila Hunter has been promoted to Duncan’s No. 2 and serve as exec vp originals. Additionally, Quibi’s former head of documentaries Jihan Robinson has joined the Disney-owned cable network as vp alternative programming.
Hunter, the former ABC comedy chief who re-joined Disney as Freeform’s head of current programming in October 2019, will report directly to Duncan. She will oversee all scripted and unscripted development — as well as current originals. Robinson, who in turn will report to Hunter, will lead nonfiction and alternative content ...
Former head of current Jamila Hunter has been promoted to Duncan’s No. 2 and serve as exec vp originals. Additionally, Quibi’s former head of documentaries Jihan Robinson has joined the Disney-owned cable network as vp alternative programming.
Hunter, the former ABC comedy chief who re-joined Disney as Freeform’s head of current programming in October 2019, will report directly to Duncan. She will oversee all scripted and unscripted development — as well as current originals. Robinson, who in turn will report to Hunter, will lead nonfiction and alternative content ...
- 12/7/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
New Freeform president Tara Duncan has solidified her executive team.
Former head of current Jamila Hunter has been promoted to Duncan’s No. 2 and serve as exec vp originals. Additionally, Quibi’s former head of documentaries Jihan Robinson has joined the Disney-owned cable network as vp alternative programming.
Hunter, the former ABC comedy chief who re-joined Disney as Freeform’s head of current programming in October 2019, will report directly to Duncan. She will oversee all scripted and unscripted development — as well as current originals. Robinson, who in turn will report to Hunter, will lead nonfiction and alternative content ...
Former head of current Jamila Hunter has been promoted to Duncan’s No. 2 and serve as exec vp originals. Additionally, Quibi’s former head of documentaries Jihan Robinson has joined the Disney-owned cable network as vp alternative programming.
Hunter, the former ABC comedy chief who re-joined Disney as Freeform’s head of current programming in October 2019, will report directly to Duncan. She will oversee all scripted and unscripted development — as well as current originals. Robinson, who in turn will report to Hunter, will lead nonfiction and alternative content ...
- 12/7/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Indie studio wiip has optioned the rights to New York Times bestselling author A.J. Baimes’ book The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months that Changed the World for development as a limited series executive produced by Dylan Clark.
Scott Bloom (Roosevelt) is attached to pen the adaptation of The Accidental President, which was published in 2017 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It tells the dramatic story of Harry Truman’s first four months in office, when this unlikely, small-town Washington outsider had to take on Germany, Japan, Stalin and the atomic bomb, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
More from DeadlineQuibi Lands Skateboard Drama 'Hardflip' From Eric Amadio, The Chainsmokers, Nyjah Huston & Wiip'Mare Of Easttown': Julianne Nicholson & Jean Smart Among 6 Cast In HBO Limited SeriesTV Executive Jamila Hunter Eyed By Indie Studio Wiip
Clark...
Scott Bloom (Roosevelt) is attached to pen the adaptation of The Accidental President, which was published in 2017 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It tells the dramatic story of Harry Truman’s first four months in office, when this unlikely, small-town Washington outsider had to take on Germany, Japan, Stalin and the atomic bomb, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
More from DeadlineQuibi Lands Skateboard Drama 'Hardflip' From Eric Amadio, The Chainsmokers, Nyjah Huston & Wiip'Mare Of Easttown': Julianne Nicholson & Jean Smart Among 6 Cast In HBO Limited SeriesTV Executive Jamila Hunter Eyed By Indie Studio Wiip
Clark...
- 4/9/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After a year break, Jamila Hunter is returning to the Disney-ABC TV group — and to her unscripted roots –as Svp of Current Series and Alternative Programming for Freeform. The former ABC head of comedy will replace Kary McHoul, who will transition into an executive producer role.
Hunter, who is expected to start at the top of 2020, will oversee unscripted and alternative content as well as Freeform’s current slate of scripted programming , reporting to Lauren Corrao, the cable network’s Evp of Original Programming and Development.
“I have worked with Jamila many times as both a producer and an executive, and even tried to hire her once,” Corrao said. “Although it took nearly ten years, I feel incredibly fortunate that the time is now and that she chose to join me here alongside the talented team at Freeform. Her impeccable taste, wicked sense of humor and tremendous relationships...
Hunter, who is expected to start at the top of 2020, will oversee unscripted and alternative content as well as Freeform’s current slate of scripted programming , reporting to Lauren Corrao, the cable network’s Evp of Original Programming and Development.
“I have worked with Jamila many times as both a producer and an executive, and even tried to hire her once,” Corrao said. “Although it took nearly ten years, I feel incredibly fortunate that the time is now and that she chose to join me here alongside the talented team at Freeform. Her impeccable taste, wicked sense of humor and tremendous relationships...
- 10/31/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC and Khalabo Ink Society alum Jamila Hunter has landed at Freeform after exiting her role at Kenya Barris’ production company earlier this year.
Hunter will take over as senior vice president of current series and alternative programming, the Disney-owned network announced on Thursday. She’s set to begin in the position in the new year, reporting to Lauren Corrao, Freeform’s executive vice president of original programming and development.
She replaces Kary McHoul, who is stepping down from her position overseeing unscripted and transitioning into a new role as an executive producer.
“Kary has been pivotal in shaping our first major push into unscripted and we are so grateful for her significant contributions to our slate,” sCorrao said in a statement. “While we are sad that she has chosen to move on, we are thankful to be able to continue to work with her in a producing capacity.
Hunter will take over as senior vice president of current series and alternative programming, the Disney-owned network announced on Thursday. She’s set to begin in the position in the new year, reporting to Lauren Corrao, Freeform’s executive vice president of original programming and development.
She replaces Kary McHoul, who is stepping down from her position overseeing unscripted and transitioning into a new role as an executive producer.
“Kary has been pivotal in shaping our first major push into unscripted and we are so grateful for her significant contributions to our slate,” sCorrao said in a statement. “While we are sad that she has chosen to move on, we are thankful to be able to continue to work with her in a producing capacity.
- 10/31/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Jamila Hunter has been named senior vice president of current series and alternative programming at Freeform.
In her new role, Hunter will report to Freeform’s Lauren Corrao, executive vice president of original programming and development. She will oversee unscripted and alternative content as well as scripted programming across the network’s current slate of shows. She is expected to start at the beginning of 2020.
In addition, Kary McHoul will step down as Freeform’s senior vice president of unscripted and current series programming, a role to which she was promoted last January. McHoul will transition into an executive producer role, overseeing the unscripted series “Wrap Battle,” which is slated to premiere Nov. 25 on Freeform, as well as “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings,” which will launch on Disney Plus next year.
“I have worked with Jamila many times as both a producer and an executive, and even tried to hire her once,...
In her new role, Hunter will report to Freeform’s Lauren Corrao, executive vice president of original programming and development. She will oversee unscripted and alternative content as well as scripted programming across the network’s current slate of shows. She is expected to start at the beginning of 2020.
In addition, Kary McHoul will step down as Freeform’s senior vice president of unscripted and current series programming, a role to which she was promoted last January. McHoul will transition into an executive producer role, overseeing the unscripted series “Wrap Battle,” which is slated to premiere Nov. 25 on Freeform, as well as “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings,” which will launch on Disney Plus next year.
“I have worked with Jamila many times as both a producer and an executive, and even tried to hire her once,...
- 10/31/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Jamila Hunter is returning to the Disney fold.
The former ABC comedy chief has been tapped to serve as senior vp current programming and unscripted development at younger-skewing cable network Freeform. She will report to recently installed head of originals Lauren Corrao at the cabler best known for The Bold Type and Grown-ish. Hunter will report to Corrao and is set to start in 2020.
Hunter replaces Karey McHoul at Freeform. McHoul will step down from her role and transition into an executive producer role nearly two years after she was promoted from senior vp programming and development.
"I ...
The former ABC comedy chief has been tapped to serve as senior vp current programming and unscripted development at younger-skewing cable network Freeform. She will report to recently installed head of originals Lauren Corrao at the cabler best known for The Bold Type and Grown-ish. Hunter will report to Corrao and is set to start in 2020.
Hunter replaces Karey McHoul at Freeform. McHoul will step down from her role and transition into an executive producer role nearly two years after she was promoted from senior vp programming and development.
"I ...
- 10/31/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Shortly after NBCUniversal in January finally unveiled plans for an ad-supported streaming platform to be run by Bonnie Hammer, Bill McGoldrick, President, Scripted Content, NBCU Cable Entertainment, and President, Unscripted Content, USA Network & Syfy, was given expanded responsibilities to also oversee scripted content for the streamer. At the same time, his top lieutenant, Alex Sepiol, Evp Scripted Development, NBCU Cable Entertainment, also expanded his portfolio to include developing scripted content for the digital service.
For the past seven months, McGoldrick and Sepiol have been shepherding development of scripted series for the new platform as well as steering projects from linear networks under their purview to the streamer including big-budget drama Brave New World, which was at USA; One of Us Is Lying, which had been at E!; and Queer As Folk, which was originally set up at Bravo.
The duo’s titles never changed to reflect the expanded responsibilities but then,...
For the past seven months, McGoldrick and Sepiol have been shepherding development of scripted series for the new platform as well as steering projects from linear networks under their purview to the streamer including big-budget drama Brave New World, which was at USA; One of Us Is Lying, which had been at E!; and Queer As Folk, which was originally set up at Bravo.
The duo’s titles never changed to reflect the expanded responsibilities but then,...
- 9/11/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC's forthcoming streaming service's executive leadership team is coming into focus.
Bill McGoldrick has been tapped to head programming for NBCUniversal's upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service. McGoldrick will expand his current role as president of scripted content at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and president of unscripted content at USA and Syfy to also include the streaming service. Additionally, Alex Sepiol, who has served as exec vp scripted originals at NBCUniversal, will serve as head of drama for the streamer and continue to report to McGoldrick. A head of comedy has not yet been determined after talks with Jamila Hunter ...
Bill McGoldrick has been tapped to head programming for NBCUniversal's upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service. McGoldrick will expand his current role as president of scripted content at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and president of unscripted content at USA and Syfy to also include the streaming service. Additionally, Alex Sepiol, who has served as exec vp scripted originals at NBCUniversal, will serve as head of drama for the streamer and continue to report to McGoldrick. A head of comedy has not yet been determined after talks with Jamila Hunter ...
- 9/11/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Respected TV development executive Jamila Hunter is in talks to join Wiip, sources said. At the independent studio backed by CAA, the former ABC head of comedy would be reunited with former ABC Entertainment Group President Paul Lee, who runs the company, and former ABC Studios head of drama Nne Ebong, who is a senior executive there.
Speculation is that Hunter is poised to re-team with her former colleagues and help out on an interim basis while deciding on her next move. It is unclear whether that could lead to a permanent position at Wiip.
Hunter has been in demand and pursued by a number of companies since she stepped down as President of TV of Kenya Barris’ Netflix-based Khalabo Ink Society last month after less than a year. Early on, she engaged with NBCUniversal, which had approached her for a top programming job at the company’s upcoming streaming platform.
Speculation is that Hunter is poised to re-team with her former colleagues and help out on an interim basis while deciding on her next move. It is unclear whether that could lead to a permanent position at Wiip.
Hunter has been in demand and pursued by a number of companies since she stepped down as President of TV of Kenya Barris’ Netflix-based Khalabo Ink Society last month after less than a year. Early on, she engaged with NBCUniversal, which had approached her for a top programming job at the company’s upcoming streaming platform.
- 9/6/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Former ABC comedy head Jamila Hunter has joined Paul Lee’s independent studio Wiip on a temporary basis, Variety has learned from sources.
Hunter will fill in at Wiip until January while Nne Ebong is out on maternity leave. Hunter was most recently president of TV for Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society, but departed that job after less than a year back in August. Wiip, which stands for word.idea.imagination.production, is led by former ABC Entertainment president Lee and supported by CAA. The move reunites Hunter and Lee, with Hunter serving in various executive roles at ABC Entertainment during Lee’s tenure as president from 2010-2016. Ebong was formerly ABC’s head of drama.
Wiip declined to comment.
Hunter was promoted to senior vice president of comedy development at ABC in 2016 after having served as VP since 2011. During her time at the network, she helped shepherd hit shows such as Barris’ “Black-ish,...
Hunter will fill in at Wiip until January while Nne Ebong is out on maternity leave. Hunter was most recently president of TV for Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society, but departed that job after less than a year back in August. Wiip, which stands for word.idea.imagination.production, is led by former ABC Entertainment president Lee and supported by CAA. The move reunites Hunter and Lee, with Hunter serving in various executive roles at ABC Entertainment during Lee’s tenure as president from 2010-2016. Ebong was formerly ABC’s head of drama.
Wiip declined to comment.
Hunter was promoted to senior vice president of comedy development at ABC in 2016 after having served as VP since 2011. During her time at the network, she helped shepherd hit shows such as Barris’ “Black-ish,...
- 9/6/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Former ABC executive Jamila Hunter is rejoining her onetime boss, Paul Lee, at the latter's indie studio Wiip.
The move follows Hunter's departure from Kenya Barris' Netflix-based Khalabo Ink Society. She had been in talks with NBCUniversal for a top programming job at its forthcoming streaming platform, but that's no longer in play. Hunter will work with Wiip on an interim basis for the time being.
Wiip declined comment.
Hunter worked under Lee at ABC from 2011-16, when Lee headed the network's entertainment division. Hunter joined ABC as vp comedy in 2011 and was elevated to senior ...
The move follows Hunter's departure from Kenya Barris' Netflix-based Khalabo Ink Society. She had been in talks with NBCUniversal for a top programming job at its forthcoming streaming platform, but that's no longer in play. Hunter will work with Wiip on an interim basis for the time being.
Wiip declined comment.
Hunter worked under Lee at ABC from 2011-16, when Lee headed the network's entertainment division. Hunter joined ABC as vp comedy in 2011 and was elevated to senior ...
Exclusive: Jamila Hunter is eying a return to NBCUniversal. I hear that Hunter is leaving Kenya Barris’ Netflix-based Khalabo Ink Society after less than a year for a new opportunity and has been in conversations for a top programming job at NBCUniversal’s upcoming ad-supported streaming service and potential Netflix rival, which is run by Bonnie Hammer. A rep for NBCU declined comment.
A respected development executive and former ABC head of comedy, I hear Hunter is being pursued by multiple companies and has engaged with NBCU, though it is unclear whether she would ultimately go there.
Hunter started her entertainment career at NBCU in 1997 with a job in the Movies and Miniseries department of NBC and a promotion to VP of Development and Production at Bravo. She also did a stint as Svp of Alternative and Digital Programming at NBC Entertainment, one of multiple positions she has held that involved digital content.
A respected development executive and former ABC head of comedy, I hear Hunter is being pursued by multiple companies and has engaged with NBCU, though it is unclear whether she would ultimately go there.
Hunter started her entertainment career at NBCU in 1997 with a job in the Movies and Miniseries department of NBC and a promotion to VP of Development and Production at Bravo. She also did a stint as Svp of Alternative and Digital Programming at NBC Entertainment, one of multiple positions she has held that involved digital content.
- 8/20/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal is in talks with former ABC comedy head Jamila Hunter for a top programming job at the company's forthcoming streaming platform.
Hunter would leave Kenya Barris' Netflix-based Khalabo Ink Society to take the post after following Barris to Netflix in October 2018. She's currently president of television at the Black-ish creator's company and has helped develop several projects for the streaming giant, including comedy Black Excellence (which will also star Barris alongside Rashida Jones), animated series Entergalactic, based on Kid Cudi's forthcoming album, and sketch show Astronomy Club.
NBCUniversal declined to comment.
Hunter began her career at NBC in ...
Hunter would leave Kenya Barris' Netflix-based Khalabo Ink Society to take the post after following Barris to Netflix in October 2018. She's currently president of television at the Black-ish creator's company and has helped develop several projects for the streaming giant, including comedy Black Excellence (which will also star Barris alongside Rashida Jones), animated series Entergalactic, based on Kid Cudi's forthcoming album, and sketch show Astronomy Club.
NBCUniversal declined to comment.
Hunter began her career at NBC in ...
- 8/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Women In Film, Los Angeles announced today that they have elected five new members to its Board of Directors. Syrinthia Studer, Andrea Nelson Meigs, Talitha Watkins, Vanessa Morrison and Tracy McGrath have joined the board of industry leaders who represent diverse aspects of the screen industries.
“The 2019 Board of Directors will bring valuable guidance to our organization’s programming and advocacy work,” said Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer. “They share our commitment to the mission of enacting change to make the entertainment industry equitable for all women, in front of and behind the camera.”
Board President Amy Baer added, “With the election of these new members, the Board gains the invaluable expertise of five of our esteemed colleagues in the screen industries. Each has established herself as an influential figure in our industry, leading to an improved and expanded definition of how women are represented on-screen, off-screen, and in positions of corporate leadership.
“The 2019 Board of Directors will bring valuable guidance to our organization’s programming and advocacy work,” said Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer. “They share our commitment to the mission of enacting change to make the entertainment industry equitable for all women, in front of and behind the camera.”
Board President Amy Baer added, “With the election of these new members, the Board gains the invaluable expertise of five of our esteemed colleagues in the screen industries. Each has established herself as an influential figure in our industry, leading to an improved and expanded definition of how women are represented on-screen, off-screen, and in positions of corporate leadership.
- 3/26/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. TV’s head of comedy development Erin Wehrenberg has been named Svp, Network Comedy for ABC Entertainment.
In this position, she will lead the comedy series development team and oversee the department’s day-to-day operations, including creatively supervising production of new comedy series for ABC and will report to ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke. She will arrive at ABC on March 25.
She replaces former head of comedy Jamila Hunter, who left in October to join Kenya Barris’ now-Netflix-based production company.
Wehrenberg was most recently senior vice president and head of comedy development at Warner Bros Television. In this role, which she held since 2009, the exec oversaw the development of ABC’s “Splitting Up Together” and “Suburgatory”; plus “Trial & Error,” “Two Broke Girls,” the reboot of “Murphy Brown”; the upcoming “Shrill,” starring Aidy Bryant; as well as the upcoming “Aj and the Queen,” starring RuPaul Charles.
In this position, she will lead the comedy series development team and oversee the department’s day-to-day operations, including creatively supervising production of new comedy series for ABC and will report to ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke. She will arrive at ABC on March 25.
She replaces former head of comedy Jamila Hunter, who left in October to join Kenya Barris’ now-Netflix-based production company.
Wehrenberg was most recently senior vice president and head of comedy development at Warner Bros Television. In this role, which she held since 2009, the exec oversaw the development of ABC’s “Splitting Up Together” and “Suburgatory”; plus “Trial & Error,” “Two Broke Girls,” the reboot of “Murphy Brown”; the upcoming “Shrill,” starring Aidy Bryant; as well as the upcoming “Aj and the Queen,” starring RuPaul Charles.
- 3/11/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
After a nine-year stint as head of comedy development at Warner Bros. TV, Erin Wehrenberg is returning to the network side of the business. She has been named Svp, Network Comedy for ABC Entertainment.
Wehrenberg will lead ABC’s comedy development department, reporting to ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke. Wehrenberg, who will start March 25, will succeed ABC’s previous head of comedy Jamila Hunter who left in October to join Kenya Barris’ Netflix-based production company.
ABC identified Wehrenberg in January but it took awhile for her exit from Wbtv to be worked out. The studio is expected to name a replacement in the near future.
“We are so incredibly fortunate to have Erin join us as the creative force leading our comedy development team,” Burke said in making the announcement. “Erin’s relationships, depth of experience, and taste will no doubt guide us to the next generation of hit ABC comedies,...
Wehrenberg will lead ABC’s comedy development department, reporting to ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke. Wehrenberg, who will start March 25, will succeed ABC’s previous head of comedy Jamila Hunter who left in October to join Kenya Barris’ Netflix-based production company.
ABC identified Wehrenberg in January but it took awhile for her exit from Wbtv to be worked out. The studio is expected to name a replacement in the near future.
“We are so incredibly fortunate to have Erin join us as the creative force leading our comedy development team,” Burke said in making the announcement. “Erin’s relationships, depth of experience, and taste will no doubt guide us to the next generation of hit ABC comedies,...
- 3/11/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has found its new head of comedy.
Former Warner Bros. TV senior vp comedy development Erin Wehrenberg has been tapped to serve in the same position for the Disney-owned broadcast network. The appointment reunites Wehrenberg with new ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke after the duo previously worked together at NBC.
In her new role, Wehrenberg will lead the comedy series development team and oversee the department's day-to-day operations, including supervising production on new comedy series for the broadcast network. She is set to start March 25.
Wehrenberg fills the void created when comedy head Jamila Hunter departed ABC in ...
Former Warner Bros. TV senior vp comedy development Erin Wehrenberg has been tapped to serve in the same position for the Disney-owned broadcast network. The appointment reunites Wehrenberg with new ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke after the duo previously worked together at NBC.
In her new role, Wehrenberg will lead the comedy series development team and oversee the department's day-to-day operations, including supervising production on new comedy series for the broadcast network. She is set to start March 25.
Wehrenberg fills the void created when comedy head Jamila Hunter departed ABC in ...
- 3/11/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Just over a month after stepping down as ABC Entertainment president, Channing Dungey has landed a new job with Netflix.
The streamer announced on Monday that Dungey will join the company as its VP of original content, beginning in February. In the newly-created role, Dungey will work with Cindy Holland, also VP of original content, in setting strategic direction as well as overseeing a large and crucial portion of the slate, including the company’s overall deals with producers including Shonda Rhimes, Jenji Kohan, Kenya Barris, Steven DeKnight, Marti Noxon, and Higher Ground Productions, among others.
“Channing is a creative force whose taste and talent have earned her the admiration of her peers across the industry. She’s a risk taker and ground-breaker and talent love working with her. I couldn’t be happier to welcome her to Netflix,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer.
Also Read: ABC's...
The streamer announced on Monday that Dungey will join the company as its VP of original content, beginning in February. In the newly-created role, Dungey will work with Cindy Holland, also VP of original content, in setting strategic direction as well as overseeing a large and crucial portion of the slate, including the company’s overall deals with producers including Shonda Rhimes, Jenji Kohan, Kenya Barris, Steven DeKnight, Marti Noxon, and Higher Ground Productions, among others.
“Channing is a creative force whose taste and talent have earned her the admiration of her peers across the industry. She’s a risk taker and ground-breaker and talent love working with her. I couldn’t be happier to welcome her to Netflix,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer.
Also Read: ABC's...
- 12/17/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Channing Dungey decided to leave ABC Entertainment despite direct appeals from incoming leaders Dana Walden and Peter Rice and a close relationship with Disney CEO Bob Iger, multiple insiders told TheWrap.
Dungey, the president of ABC Entertainment, informed her Disney bosses last week that she did not intend to renew her contract when it came up in early 2019. That led them to announce Friday that Karey Burke, head of original programming for Disney’s Freeform, would replace her.
“She was not pushed. She chose not to renew her deal which expires in February,” one knowledgeable insider told TheWrap. “As soon as she informed them that she wasn’t renewing, they made an immediate change to Karey.”
Also Read: Channing Dungey Exits as ABC Chief, Freeform's Karey Burke to Replace Her
Dungey’s decision to leave despite not having another position elsewhere is a personal disappointment to Iger, who was...
Dungey, the president of ABC Entertainment, informed her Disney bosses last week that she did not intend to renew her contract when it came up in early 2019. That led them to announce Friday that Karey Burke, head of original programming for Disney’s Freeform, would replace her.
“She was not pushed. She chose not to renew her deal which expires in February,” one knowledgeable insider told TheWrap. “As soon as she informed them that she wasn’t renewing, they made an immediate change to Karey.”
Also Read: Channing Dungey Exits as ABC Chief, Freeform's Karey Burke to Replace Her
Dungey’s decision to leave despite not having another position elsewhere is a personal disappointment to Iger, who was...
- 11/19/2018
- by Trey Williams and Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Channing Dungey called a meeting Friday of ABC’s top executives and revealed to them that she would step down as the network’s entertainment president. Within an hour, Disney went public with the news that Dungey would be succeeded by Karey Burke, head of programming for ABC’s sibling cabler Freeform.
The news was not a surprise to those who know Dungey, who had been wrestling with the decision on whether to stay at ABC or move on when her contract ended early next year, three years after she was named ABC Entertainment president in February 2016.
But the news still generated a shockwave within ABC. Anxiety has already been high at the network as Disney prepares to close its takeover of 21st Century Fox, which will bring the arrival of Fox’s Peter Rice and Dana Walden as the new senior management team.
“Everyone is devastated,” one insider told Variety.
The news was not a surprise to those who know Dungey, who had been wrestling with the decision on whether to stay at ABC or move on when her contract ended early next year, three years after she was named ABC Entertainment president in February 2016.
But the news still generated a shockwave within ABC. Anxiety has already been high at the network as Disney prepares to close its takeover of 21st Century Fox, which will bring the arrival of Fox’s Peter Rice and Dana Walden as the new senior management team.
“Everyone is devastated,” one insider told Variety.
- 11/17/2018
- by Daniel Holloway and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Channing Dungey is stepping down as President of ABC Entertainment after less than three years on the job. As usual, Disney has reached within its ranks for a replacement, naming Karey Burke, head of Freeform original programming development, as new ABC Entertainment president.
The move comes ahead of the completion of the 21st Century Fox acquisition by Disney and following the announcement of the Disney-ABC post-merger TV leadership, that includes Fox’s Dana Walden taking oversight of ABC, ABC Studios and Freeform as chairman, Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment.
Ever since that leadership structure was announced with Dungey in her previous position reporting to Walden, there had been speculation that Dungey may leave as she had been tipped to be on track for a bigger role after a solid track record as ABC Entertainment president. Her contract was coming up soon, and according to sources, she was offered...
The move comes ahead of the completion of the 21st Century Fox acquisition by Disney and following the announcement of the Disney-ABC post-merger TV leadership, that includes Fox’s Dana Walden taking oversight of ABC, ABC Studios and Freeform as chairman, Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment.
Ever since that leadership structure was announced with Dungey in her previous position reporting to Walden, there had been speculation that Dungey may leave as she had been tipped to be on track for a bigger role after a solid track record as ABC Entertainment president. Her contract was coming up soon, and according to sources, she was offered...
- 11/16/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC’s Svp and head of comedy Jamila Hunter is leaving the network after seven years. She is joining Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society, to run the company under its rich Netflix overall deal aimed at developing new comedy series. In the move, which had been in the works for months, she is reuniting with Barris after working closely with him on his ABC projects, including Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning series black-ish and a couple of pilots, including grown-ish.
Hunter, who has been named President of TV for Khalabo Ink Society, took the reins of ABC’s comedy department two years ago. Her exits comes amidst uncertainly among Disney-ABC and Fox ranks heading into completion of Disney’s acquisition of Fox assets. There is no immediate replacement. Another senior Disney-abc executive, ABC Studios head of drama Nne Ebong, recently departed to move to the production side,
After a short,...
Hunter, who has been named President of TV for Khalabo Ink Society, took the reins of ABC’s comedy department two years ago. Her exits comes amidst uncertainly among Disney-ABC and Fox ranks heading into completion of Disney’s acquisition of Fox assets. There is no immediate replacement. Another senior Disney-abc executive, ABC Studios head of drama Nne Ebong, recently departed to move to the production side,
After a short,...
- 10/25/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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