Industry News

Nina Etspüler Joins BBC Studios; New Trailer for Top End Bub; James Durie Leaves Cineflix

In the latest entertainment industry news, Nina Etspüler is set to join BBC Studios, a new trailer for the Australian series Top End Bub has been released, and James Durie has exited Cineflix Rights.

Leonine’s Nina Etspüler Joining BBC Studios

Formats industry veteran Nina Etspüler is joining BBC Studios Germany to launch a dedicated comedy and reality genre label. Starting January 1, 2026, the Leonine executive will lead the unit as producer and executive producer, focusing on scripted and entertainment programs for the German TV and streaming markets. Etspüler will collaborate closely with the BBCS Germany team in Cologne to adapt BBC formats for the local market and develop original intellectual property.

Her appointment follows BBCS Germany’s successful remake of the comedy hit Ghosts for local broadcaster WDR and streamer ARD Mediathek. With a rich background in formats, Etspüler has previously worked for Red Arrow Studios, Florida TV, and ProSiebenSat.1. Most recently, she served as the Head of Entertainment Development at Mediawan-owned Leonine Studios, where she played a pivotal role in establishing Madame Zheng Production as a significant player in reality, factual entertainment, and reportage.

“My time at Leonine Studios was exciting and formative,” said Etspüler. “I’m proud to have built Madame Zheng Production into an established player in the fields of reality, factual entertainment, and reportage, alongside my co-managing director Tina Wagner and a fantastic team. At I&U TV, we produced acclaimed comedy formats such as the Grimme Award-winning The Teddy Teclebrhan Show, Heinz Strunk’s Last Exit Schinkenstraße, and currently Sträter’s Problem Zones. Now, I’m looking forward to a role with a more international focus at BBC Studios Germany.”

Phil Schmid, Managing Director at BBCS Germany, praised Etspüler as “one of the most respected and creative leaders in our industry,” adding: “This is a perfect strategic fit for our ambitions in Germany and an equally strong match on a personal level. With Nina joining in January 2026, alongside our fantastic Entertainment team led by Markus Templin and our growing Fiction division under Eva Holtmann, we look forward with confidence and excitement to the next chapter of BBC Studios Germany’s growth.”

Prime Video Release ‘Top End Bub‘ Trailer

Here’s the trailer for the Australian Prime Video original series Top End Bub. This show, a follow-up to the 2019 local box office hit Top End Wedding, will launch on Amazon’s streaming service in Australia and New Zealand on September 12. Miranda Tapsell and Gwilym Lee reprise their lead roles as Lauren and Ned, respectively.

The trailer showcases the couple living their best life in the city until Lauren receives a heartbreaking call about her sister Ronelle’s death. Rushing back to Darwin, they become guardians to Ronelle’s daughter, Taya, aka Bub, played by debuting Gladys-May Kelly. Returning cast members include Ursula Yovich, Huw Higginson, Shari Sebbens, Elaine Crombie, Rob Collins, and Tracy Mann, alongside new cast members Brooke Satchwell, Guy Simon, and Clarence Ryan. Goalpost Pictures is producing, with ZDF Studios handling international distribution. There is currently no U.S. home for this series.

James Durie Exits Cineflix Rights

James Durie has left his position as Head of Drama at distributor Cineflix Rights. According to a statement from the transatlantic company, he exited at the end of July to pursue new opportunities, as Cineflix pivots to a new strategy in response to shifting global demand. Durie spent five years at Cineflix, having joined from Miramax, where he played a key role in the international financing of shows such as the Leonard Cohen drama So Long, Marianne.

His previous roles include stints at sports marketing agency Pitch International and IMG Media. According to Cineflix, he will continue to work with high-end scripted producers and financiers in the wider market. Broadcast International was the first to report on Durie’s exit.

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