In a series of significant industry updates, BBC Studios has appointed a new CFO following record financial results, while Archstone Entertainment has secured a chilling horror film centered around AI. Here’s a closer look at these developments and more.
BBC Studios Appoints New CFO Following Record Results
After achieving a remarkable set of annual results, BBC Studios has appointed its new CFO as Lorraine Burgess exits. Amanda Jones, who has been serving in the role on an interim basis, will now take on the position permanently and will become a Director of BBC Commercial, which includes BBC Studios. Starting next month, Jones will report to CEO Tom Fussell and will oversee budgeting, reporting, business support, and financial controls, while also contributing to strategic initiatives. She will join the BBC Studios Executive Committee and become a member of the BBC’s Commercial Board. With a background at Sky, ITV, and Emap, Jones joined BBC Studios a year ago for the interim CFO role. As commercial income becomes increasingly vital to the BBC’s finances, BBC Studios, the force behind Baby Reindeer, Doctor Who, and Conclave, increased revenue and profit last year by approximately 14% each, with revenue reaching £2.2 billion ($3 billion) and profit hitting £228 million ($307 million). Fussell remarked, “As BBC Studios aims to expand its business in a highly competitive market, Amanda will be crucial in helping us advance our ambitious plans.”
Archstone Entertainment Acquires Sinister Chatbot Horror Film
EXCLUSIVE: Get ready for chatbot thrills. L.A.’s Archstone Entertainment has signed on as the worldwide sales agent for COGN-AI-TIVE, a horror film centered around AI, set to premiere at London’s FrightFest next month. Directed by first-time filmmaker Tommy Savas, the film follows a group of co-workers who stay late at the office to prepare for the launch of their smarter, faster, and more cognitive version of Chat GPT, only to discover that the AI they’ve created has a sinister agenda. The cast includes Piper Curda (May December), Noel Fisher (Shameless), Josh Zuckerman (Oppenheimer), and Natasha Benham (You). Produced by Reckless Content, the studio behind Tubi’s Game Bros series, Savas, who has directed short films for over 15 years, collaborated with his wife, Angie Simms, on the script. “I aimed to create a fun horror film that captures the nostalgia of 90s cinema while addressing the growing concerns surrounding AI in our industry,” stated Savas. COGN-AI-TIVE will debut on August 21 at FrightFest.
‘Inferno: LA on Fire’ Producer Expands Team
Producer ITN Productions (ITNP) of Inferno: LA on Fire has hired two executives for its Leeds office. The newly established executive producer positions have been filled by Ricardo Pollack and Nicola Addyman. Addyman is known for her work on the acclaimed documentary Groomed: A National Scandal for Channel 4, while Pollack has contributed to Hospital and The Met for the BBC. ITNP produces hundreds of hours of UK factual programming annually, including the recent Channel 4 fast-turnaround documentary Inferno: LA on Fire, which covers the L.A. wildfires. Factual boss Caroline Short expressed enthusiasm about the new hires, stating, “We’re thrilled that Nicola and Ricardo are joining the ITN Productions family in Leeds. Both have stellar reputations and expertise that align with our ambition to strengthen our Leeds office and ITN Productions overall.”
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Pluto Acquires True Crime Series Featuring Nancy O’Dell and Elizabeth Vargas
Paramount’s FAST platform Pluto has secured two true crime documentary series from New York’s Big Media. Pluto’s UK service will receive Season 1 of Crime Exposé with Nancy O’Dell, which has also been licensed to Roku in the U.S. In Canada, Pluto has acquired Seasons 1 and 2 of iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas. Crime Exposé consists of 120 half-hour episodes featuring Emmy Award-winning journalist O’Dell as she investigates some of the most intriguing murder cases across the U.S. Meanwhile, iCrime comprises 240 half-hour episodes showcasing Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Elizabeth Vargas as she analyzes raw, live footage of actual crimes as they unfold. “Our true crime library continues to resonate with platforms and viewers globally,” stated Big Media President and co-founder Danny Wilk. “Crime Exposé and iCRIME have already demonstrated breakout success in U.S. syndication, and we’re excited to expand their global reach. Pluto TV remains an excellent partner, and we look forward to introducing these compelling, addictive shows to their UK and Canadian audiences.”
