Paramount Global Signs First Look Deal With LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells, Leads $15 Million Funding Round

EXCLUSIVE: With the Frasier sequel series for Paramount+ wrapping production, star and executive producer Kelsey Grammer and his Grammnet NH Productions has closed a first-look television deal with CBS Studios, the studio behind the Cheers/Frasier franchise.

EXCLUSIVE: Insecure alumna Yvonne Orji has signed a two-year first-look deal with Sony Pictures Television. Under the pact, the Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, writer, author and producer will develop scripted drama and comedy series for cable and streaming. There is a possibility for her to star in any of the projects she develops for the studio.

EXCLUSIVE: Anonymous Content, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and United Agents have set former ITVS Creative Director Patrick Spence (Spy Among Friends) as Managing Director of their UK film and TV production joint venture.

Naman Ramachandran U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has released a first look image of its new comedy series, “Big Mood” (working title), produced by Fremantle‘s Dancing Ledge Productions. The six-part series explores the intricacies of female friendship when confronted with the complexities of serious mental illness. Starring in the show are Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West. Joining the ensemble cast are Niamh Cusack, Eamon Farren, Luke Fetherston, Kate Fleetwood, Rob Gilbert, Rebecca Lowman, Sally Phillips, Ukweli Roach, and Amalia Vitale. The cast also includes Olu Adaeze, Max Bennett, Skylar Betteridge, David Bedella, Tim Downie, Ron Donachie, Sarah Durham, Lara Grace Ilori, Neil Edmond, Amy Gledhill, Maddie Grace Jepson, Tom Rhys Harries, Layla-Belle Matthews, Simon Meacock, David Mumeni, David Newman, Freya Parker, Shuna Snow, Sid Sagar, Stephen Sobal, Lottie Tolhurst, Isobel Thom and Robin Weaver.

First Look At Nicola Coughlan & Lydia West In ‘Big Mood’

Last August, LL Cool J pulled off his first Rock The Bells in the aftermath of a lawsuit in which he won the trademark rights to the popular New York hip-hop festival, named for a 1985 cut from his debut album, Radio. Today, he’s announced that he’ll be taking Rock The Bells on the road this summer, joining powers with Live Nation to present a “once-in-a-lifetime touring experience and a celebration of Hip-Hop culture” called “The F.O.R.C.E.

Boxoffice Company has agreed to launch showtimes, ticketing and technology for a number of popular theater chains using its Boost platform. The deal, announced Thursday, includes B&B Theaters, GCR Cinemas, Cinépolis USA, Everyman Cinemas and Landmark Theatres. The deal now brings more than 100 new theater chains in total under the purview of the company for its respective digital needs.

Paramount Pictures has renewed a first-look deal with Todd Garner. The head of Broken Road Productions first signed a production pact with the studio in 2018.

Paramount Pictures has renewed a first-look deal with Todd Garner’s Broken Road Productions, one which the producer has had since 2018.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large Former Epix exec Benjamin Tappan has joined Walden Media as president of production, overseeing the shingle’s TV and film development, as well as production. Tappan’s hire comes as Walden Media also looks to broaden its programming mix. Tappan will report to Walden Media president and CEO Frank Smith, who announced the hire on Tuesday. “Ben’s vast experience as both a production executive and talent representative along with his great track record of making popular and critically praised content make him uniquely suited for leading our creative team,” Smith said in a statement. “We greatly look forward to his leadership and contributions as we build the Walden Media of the future.”

Paramount Pictures has renewed its multi-year, first-look film deal with Temple Hill Entertainment, the producer of their smash fall horror hit Smile which grossed over $200M WW and netted a $101M profit for the Melrose Ave. lot.

Paramount Pictures has renewed its multiyear first-look film deal with Temple Hill Entertainment, the studio announced on Monday.Under the terms of the agreement, Temple Hill Entertainment will continue to develop films for the studio and its label Paramount Players. On the television side, Temple Hill remains under a first-look deal with Lionsgate.The first-look film deal renewal comes on the heels of the critically acclaimed horror thriller “Smile,” from Paramount Pictures and Temple Hill, which earned more than $200 million at the global box office.“Temple Hill has a proven track record for making films that truly connect with people.

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Paramount Pictures has renewed its multi-year, first-look film deal with Temple Hill Entertainment. The companies recently collaborated on the creepy thriller “Smile,” which became an unexpected box office hit to the tune of $200 million globally. Under the terms of the agreement, Temple Hill Entertainment will continue to develop films for both Paramount Pictures and its label Paramount Players. On the television side, Temple Hill remains under a first-look deal with Lionsgate.  “Temple Hill has a proven track record for making films that truly connect with people. In the decade that we’ve known them, Wyck Marty, and Isaac have been incredible collaborators and more importantly, we also count them as friends,” said Paramount’s Motion Picture Group co-presidents Michael Ireland and Daria Cercek. “We couldn’t be happier to be extending this relationship so we can continue to find new ways to wow audiences together.”

The Traitors has done for formats what Top Gun: Maverick “did for the summer blockbuster,” says Glenn Hugill, with barely a hint of hyperbole.

Beijing-based sales agent Rediance has revealed first look stills for Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice, which has been selected for the Un Certain Regard section of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. 

Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions has signed a first-look deal with Amazon Studios. Under the agreement, the legendary filmmaker will write, produce and star in projects intended for Prime Video.

EXCLUSIVE: Rachael Leigh Cook, star of ‘90s movies including She’s All That, has signed a wide-ranging deal with Fox’s Marvista Entertainment.

Brillstein Entertainment Partners is looking to “fuel the momentum” of its production company after striking a first-look deal with Paramount Television Studios.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter Paramount Television Studios (PTVS) and Brillstein Entertainment Partners have entered into a multi-year first-look deal. Under the deal, the studio will co-develop and co-produce scripted series with Brillstein Creative Partners (BCP), Brillstein’s production arm, for Paramount platforms like Paramount+, Showtime, and CBS, as well as outside platforms. “We are incredibly excited about this new venture with Brillstein,” said Nicole Clemens, president of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with their managers and stellar roster of clients over the years and look forward to deepening and strengthening those partnerships as we collaborate with Allie Goss and her team to produce a slate of compelling new series for the global market.”

EXCLUSIVE: A+E Studios is getting into business with Curate Management and its founder Britton Rizzio. The studio has signed a first-look deal with the company to develop scripted series for broadcast and streaming in the U.S. and international space. Curate says the deal reinforces the company’s commitment to producing content that reflects unique perspectives and stories.